Cami Chapus (Sr., Harvard Westlake)
Last XC Journal!
Wow, I can’t believe that Cross-Country season is over! It has been such a long journey and I could not imagine a better way to end it.
This past month I have been struggling and trying to fight off sickness; at CIF finals I caught a cold which then turned into bronchitis by Thanksgiving and was at it’s worst right before the State Meet. Unfortunately I got sick at the absolute worst time, but I can’t do anything about it; it happens.
Although I was not 100%, I wanted to run really badly to give it my best shot and be there for my team. There were a lot of opportunities that I could have accomplished in that one race, but it didn’t happen. Reguardless, I am so proud of my team for placing 3rd in DIV and especially my teammate, Amy Weissenbach who had an amazing race. Not only did she run great, but she also pushed me when I wanted to give up. I remember her running by me saying, “Come on camo,” when I was feeling my worst and helping me sprint to finish. You know that you have a true friend when they support you like that; Love you Amy 
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Of course I was disappointed like any other normal runner would be, but with the support of my friends, family, and coaches, I picked back up and was determined to make the Foot Locker Team at the west regional. Feeling better than the previous week, yet still recovering, I was able to make the team! Foot Locker nationals was an amazing way to end my senior season. Truly, everything worked out for the best. If I had run amazing at state, I might not have had the opportunity to meet tons of great runners, make new friendships, and have a great experience at Foot Locker in San Diego.
When I got there, almost immediately, I became friends with Nikki Hiltz…it was weird. Only a junior and she is SO fast; plus she’s a miler so she is already awesome. We weren’t roommates, but our roommates were not from the West Coast, so they went to bed at around 7:00pm. We were not tired. So, we wandered the hotel, exploring the Del (which is the nicest hotel I’ve been too) and meeting new people. I have literally never laughed so hard in my life than with Nikki: fun times! My roommates were also amazing! Cali Roper from Texas and Tori Gerlach from Pennsylvania. We got along so well and I wish they could be my college roommates!!
Not only did I make new friends, but also our captain was Suzy Favor Hamilton (photo right)! I have to admit, I don’t really follow Track and Field stats carefully, so before this trip I did not know who she was. I am ashamed to say so now. She is SO fast and in one of my favorite events especially, the 1500m. The west is best, so, we had to have the best team captain ever. There were so many other professional runners there that we all got to meet; it was truly inspiring.
The race was so fun! Even though I might have liked to place higher (I finished 22nd), I am extremely happy with the race. It is the best that I’ve felt in the last entire month . I was not particularly nervous for the race, more excited to be running with the top 40 distance girls in the nation!
After the race we could all relax and enjoy the rest of our time at the Hotel Del Coronado.
During the winter, as captain of our soccer team, I look to finish my soccer career and contribute to the team as much as I can. We have a good chance of having a great season. Although it is hard to get in training for track during soccer season, my soccer coach is completely supportive of my running and is pivotal in helping me get in runs and workouts.
I am immensely inspired and motivated to train for my senior "Track and Field" season in the spring. I can’t wait…
Hope everyone has a great break and happy holidays!
With my roomies: Cali Roper (middle) and Tori Gerlach (left)
West don't mess
With Suzy Favor Hamilton
