Cross Country Kick-Off

Today was the debut race performance of the “GBRC Elite,” a cross country team comprised of local female all-stars in the sport of running. Members include: Sierra Brisky, Lydia Carrick, Kristen Carter, Bronwyn Crossman, Amber Morrison, Courtney Olsen and myself. We are successful marathoners (Lydia, Kristen, Amber, Courtney), college cross country studs (Sierra, Bronwyn) and trail enthusiasts (Maria).

GBRC Logo on the back of our singlet

Our team is sponsored by the Greater Bellingham Running Club(GBRC). The goal of the GBRC is to “promote health and fitness through participation in running on road, track and cross-country” in the greater Bellingham area. We are very thankful to the GBRC for their support financially and their enthusiasm to help us achieve our athletic goals. Brooks Running Company kindly supplied our team with jerseys, arm-warmers and sweet pink jackets that cannot go unnoticed.

The cross country season kicked off today at the Western (Washington University) Invitational Cross Country Classic at East Lake Padden Park here in Bellingham. The 6 Km course is a mix of grassy fields, a loop around Lake Padden and just a touch of horse trails. Being the first race of the season, this was a chance to wake up our cross country legs and, for me, it was a good tune-up race for the Padden Trail Half Marathon next weekend.

We all had uncertainties about how we could perform because some are marathon training, some are dealing with injury and others (me) have been focused on trail specific training. Despite our collective lack of cross country confidence, we were able to pull off the win, placing 4 in the top 16. Needless to say, we were thrilled! It was a great opener to our season and an even better boost for the team morale. There is 8 weeks until Club Nationals- plenty of time to get fitter, faster and stronger.

Not bad for a couple of (good lookin') local gals.

The remainder of GBRC Elite’s schedule:

November 3: PNTF Championships - Seattle, WA

November 23: NW Regionals- Fairview, WA (I will be in WV)

December 14: Club Cross Country Nationals - Bend, OR