Today I ran in the Moulton Summer Open in the 800 metre race on the athletics track. It was my second time running 800 metres this season, and I really wanted to beat my personal best. I had worked hard in training, and I felt ready. The day before had been boiling hot, with the temperature reaching 34°C, so I was hoping it would be cooler today for the race. That kind of heat makes running even harder!
After school, I quickly got changed at home, and then we left soon after. My dad drove us to Moulton, and we arrived there at around 7 o’clock in the evening. As soon as we got there, I started my warm-up to get my legs moving and ready for the race. I also put on my running spikes, which help me run faster on the track. I was feeling a bit nervous but also excited to race again.
My last personal best was 2 minutes and 58 seconds, which I got a few weeks ago. This time, I wanted to run under 2 minutes and 55 seconds. I was in the first heat, and all the other girls were much older than me. It was an under-13s competition, so most of them were probably 12 or even 13 years old. There were seven girls in my race, and I was the youngest. Still, I told myself to run as fast as I could and not worry about their age.
The race started, and I ran my first 400 metres in 1 minute and 25 seconds. I felt strong and kept pushing hard. I tried to catch up with the girls in front of me and overtake as many as I could. I kept my pace and stayed focused all the way to the finish line. When the race ended, I had come 4th out of 7 girls, and I was so happy when I found out my time – 2 minutes and 56 seconds! That was a new season personal best for me.
I felt really proud of myself. Even though I didn’t win the race, I ran well and gave it everything I had. I also remembered that I was the only girl under 10, and I’m just 8 years old. To come 4th against much older girls made me feel really proud. I know I still have more speed in my legs, and that made me even more excited for my next race.
My goal this season is to run 800 metres in 2 minutes and 50 seconds. I believe I can do it if I keep working hard and training well. I hope I get another chance soon to race again and try to beat my new personal best. I’m already looking forward to the next time I get on the track!
