North West London YA League, Horsenden Hill XC - by Emily Page (age 12)

Naturally my body was really nervous, but mentally I was ready. Instead I was excited! It was freezing and I was shaking. When I started it was pouring heavily with rain. As I went round the first corner, my leg dropped into a small hole and I twisted my ankle. It wasn’t serious; instead it spurred me on to catch up with my friend. She had been lost in a sea of runners. I kept going then halfway through the rain got harder and I was shivering with cold. The supporters helped, especially my fellow Ealing Eagles. At some point, my head said “give up Em” but I couldn’t. It was an amazing feeling to finish. Overall, I found the race exciting and fun despite the weather being terrible. I can’t wait for the next one it can only get better!