Sorry for the length, but thanks for the opportunity to share with you guys!
Our son Joshua (fishandchips to you guys) made us so proud yesterday. He's only 13 (8th grade) but has been running on the High School Cross Country Team (they run 5k meets). For the past 2 months he has been the only 8th grader to stick out the gruelling practices and races. Last month, he had his first meet at "home." He finished last by almost 2 minutes (28 minutes and 30 seconds). We were proud just that he continued running though so far behind.
In the next races around the state, his best time was 26 min and 30 secs.. At the home course, he couldn't finish in less then 27 minutes though he really worked hard to.
Yesterday our high school hosted the "District Meet." There were 6 teams competing. Joshua was nervous (to the point of crying) for the first time. I told him he had worked hard enough to break 26 minutes. He said he just wanted to break under 27 minutes.
This shy, little, skinny kid ran so well. We knew he was gonna have a good time. Coming down the home stretch he was running top speed and beat another kid right at the finish!
FINAL TIME 24 MINUTES AND 47 SECONDS!!! 
It was SO cool!