Bob Firman Invitational

It's hard to believe the cross country season is in full swing and almost half over.  One of the races Raegan looks forward to every year is the Bob Firman Invitational.  This was a large meet with 94 teams (940 Girls, 1344 Boys) participating from all over the Northwest (Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Utah....).  The Bob Firman is held at Eagle Island State Park in Boise, Idaho.

Raegan really likes the Eagle Island Course and the race has the added bonus of being an overnight trip for the kids.  The course is two loops around the lake on mostly flat terrain.  The running surface is primarily a dirt trail with areas of sand and grass.  There is one small hill that is known as "spectator hill" which creates some excitement.

Eagle Island Cross Country Course

  The course is considered to be one of the faster courses in the state.  Raegan had a goal to finish under 21:00.  She had a great race and finished 48th (249) in the Varsity Division I (Large Schools) with a personal best time of 21:08.

Coach Guldin give Raegan his customary pre-race handshake

Running the "Fox Trail" a little over 800m into the race

About 1500m into the race just before hitting "the beach".

Looking forward to running on the beach.

Late summer fires in Idaho, Washington and Oregon are making for a very hazy day.

The start of about 200m of sand..... on "the beach"

Raegan running "the beach".

Everyone usually runs close to the shore where the sand contains the most moisture. 

Raegan starts up "spectator hill"

The first of two climbs on this hill.

Second loop on "fox trail"

Raegan has just finished her second leg on "the beach" about 1000m from home.

Just coming down the backside of "spectator hill"

800m to go.

Rounding the corner to get to "Poplar Lane"

Hanging tough!

Running "Poplar Lane" with about 400m to go.

PR at the Eagle Island Course.  Note the "train wreck" in the shoot.  These girls give their all!

Marilyn and Madison give Raegan a post race hug.....

Some of Raegan's teammates all smiles after the race........