2014 Fall Break

Even thought it was FALL BREAK - it wasn't much of a BREAK for my kids.

Marissa had XC practice and work at Tinseltown almost every day of the break.

Robert had Regional soccer games in Shelby County

Betsy had to work at Proheat.  Luckily Jessica was home from her mission and could be home with Robert and Marissa while they were home.

She was very helpful to Betsy getting Robert to the school to catch the bus for Regional games.

Monday was the first regional game - vs Carrollton County. - WON 5-0
Tuesday was the second regional game - vs Shelby County. - WON 5-3

Wednesday was a day off from soccer, but it was a good day for Betsy to meet with her lawyer to firm up things with her will.  She wanted to make sure everything was in order for the trip she is taking to the Philippines (just in case).

Thursday was the Regional Championship game - vs South Oldham - We lost

Friday was volunteer night - Mark in the Temple and Betsy at the NOHS football game.

Saturday - Robert ran in the Central KY Meet of Champions in Elizabethtown and helped his team take 1st place while Marissa took the ACT at Waggener High School.

Not much FUN for this Fall Break - but very productive and very sports oriented!

Oldham County Championship Meet

Finally, Marissa has had some time to rest and sleep.

Today's meet is on a Wednesday after school.  I wish Robert would Run this race - it's a great night - but he said he had too much homework.

Marissa has a smile on her face.  I think that is the first time she has looked happy in a race this year.  She, Erin and Avery run together the first mile - they look great.  She looks strong.  The course is a loop that the girls run twice and then end on the track.  Marissa runs her second best race of the season finishing in 6th place with a time of 20:42.

She, Erin and Avery received trophies.  

It was so good to see her happy again!!!

The team took lots of fun photos after the race because it was the last race for some of the JV runners.  Too fun!!!

Senior portraits with friends

On Monday, June 30 Marissa and her friends met at our house at 4:00 pm to get ready for a group senior pictures!!!  This is a new concept - Jessica and Devon never did this but Marissa has the opportunity.  

We went over to Lovust Grove Histotical site and met up with Craig Paul our photographer.  He spent two hours photographing the girls!  They had so much fun!!!

Marissa and Makenzie Mullin

Best Friends

Super cool girls

Delta X - for Avery

Can't believe she's a SENIOR!

Mallory, Caroline, Kelsey, Marissa and Makenzie

Makenzie Mullin, Kelsey Hall and Marissa!

Best friends since 6th grade!!!

Robert's Cross Country Banquet

Wednesday night was a night filled with conflict - three events - only one boy. 
1.  YM
2.  Eagle Court of Honor for Ben, Max, Ephriam and Trevor.
3.  Boys Cross Country Banquet

Robert had a busy day - immediately after a full day at school he attended Fire soccer practice at Fern Creek (30 minutes away).  Upon the completion of practice we rushed him home to change - but into what.

Even though the Eagle Court of Honor didn't involve him, Robert chose to attend it over his own Cross Country Banquet for the simple reason of supporting his friends!  They have been in scouts together since they were 8 years old.  Tonight was their BIG night, they were there for Robert on his big night. 

Robert conducted the flag ceremony as well as sitting in the Eagle's Nest.

While he was there, Mom was at the Boys XC banquet.  Robert was mentioned as being a two sport athlete - that showed great improvement after coming to XC full time (after soccer season was over) improving from a 19:18 to a 17:45 - they really complimented Robert.  It was nice to hear.  He earned his JV letter.

Marvelous Day at the Metro Meet

The weather was cold, but still a great day for a meet!  It's a very exciting day for the Lowe family.

1)  It's Marissa's first meet since her injury (5 weeks)
2)  It's Robert's last meet of the season

The girls are so close - they always huddle up together before a race - they have a great cheer.  I recorded it, but can't seem to get it to stay here.  The girl's Varsity race started right at 1:00 pm.

Marissa was off to a great start.  She didn't get the usual "right up front" start, but she was still way up front.  By the first mile she was 4th in the race!  GO MARISSA!!!  This is so incredible since she is just coming off her injury.

Marissa at the 1 mile mark

Every time we saw Marissa she looked strong, confident and ready for this race.  She has grown so much as a runner.  

At the two mile mark two Manual runners and a Presentation Runner pass her, but just barely - she is right with them.

At the 2 mile mark

Marissa gaining on them

Then the runners disappear for the last mile until the finish.  Marissa came around the corner sprinting ahead of the 2 Manual runners.  She finished so strong!  We were so excited to see her finish in 6th place with a time of 21:12.  This is one second faster than her first race of the year on this same course (21:13).  

Sprinting to the finish

Everyone was so EXCITED for Marissa!  She did better than expect (not that there were any expectations after her FEMUR injury!).  We were all just so happy that she did well, felt great and didn't have any pain.  She said she was sore, but her breathing was great.  I'm so happy.  She and I worked out every day (except Sunday) at the YMCA to help keep her heart rate at 170 and over come the atrophy from being on crutches.

Marissa with her coaches Sykora and Jerry

An extra special treat was that Coach Teresa and Greg Philips were at the race!  Marissa is very close with both of them.  Coach Philips gave Marissa a super big hug!  HE was hoping she'd run under 22 and she did, by a long shot.  They were so excited and happy for her.

Hugs with coach Philips

The Philips are like family, Marissa with Teresa and Greg Philips

After Marissa's race, the Boys Varsity race started at 1:45.  Robert ran in this race.  He got a great start but was on the second line so he had to work hard to get in a good position.  We were racing against St. X and Covington Catholic - two great Catholic teams.

Robert at the 1 mile

Robert is set on a good pace.  He is catching up to some runners on his team - Will Strench is in front of him.   Several teammates didn't run (David Glenn, Richardo Landis, Jan Isenhart, Nathan).

Rounding the corner 

Robert at the 2 mile mark

The runners disappear after the 2 mile mark until they come down the home stretch for the finish.  It was so exciting to see Robert coming - he finished with a new PR (personal record) of 18:36.  That is approximately a 50 second improvement from previous races.  AWESOME!!!

Robert sprinting to the finish

Go ROBERT!!!

The girl's team took 2nd place (without most of our Varsity runners) and the boys team took 3rd place (without all of their varsity runners).

After the meet, Marissa went to Cheddar's with her teammates and coaches, while we treated Robert to lunch at Moe's Mexican.  Everyone had a great day!!!

Marissa goes to the St. X meet

So, Finally Marissa is feeling better - enough to go with her team to the St. X meet in Cincinnati, OH.  This is where she earned her PR from last year.  It is such a shame that she can't run this course today, but thank goodness we found out before some very serious damage was done.  

 Marissa was so positive and cheered both the JV and Varsity teams on from the side line.  She couldn't really move from place to place but she could still cheer because the girls repeat the course a few time.

The Varsity took 1st place and the JV took 2nd.  It was a great day!