NXN- Austin Sprague's Excellent Adventure, Day 1

Day 1 Wednesday:

 

 

Nike Cross Nationals 2013...My journey to my first ever national cross country race begins at 8am in the Hartsfield Jackson Airport. Five hours is the time that I had to endure to make it out to Portland International Airport for the great event. Once I got off of the plane I was told to follow the signs in the airport to find my way. Once through the point of no return I began to see the Nike Nationals stars that led me to where I checked in to let Nike know I had made it safe and sound. The Nike rep looked at me and said you are lucky number one. I was the very first athlete to make it to the meet! About 300 kids will go through the airport over the next two days and I was the very first one! After soaking in the airport and waiting for more individuals me and two girls from Rode Island and Massachusetts got the luxury of being driven in a Cadillac to the hotel. Once at the hotel the windows and lobby were all decorated for the event. The windows said "WE RUN XC". I then checked into my room and was given a roommate. I had the pleasure of rooming with another senior from Virginia named Tommy Mulroy. We were told that we needed to get our credentials so that we could access the full Nike experience. The athlete badge had our picture, region, and name on it. It was our key to the weekend. I was then was able to go out for a run with one of the Nike reps in the sub 30 degree weather. I was able to clean up and get ready for the rest of the night after. The rest of the night I relaxed in the game room and meet many other east coast runners.