Far Fence

As runners we always recall our first race. Monticello was the second move of my young life. The first was from Vicco, Kentucky to Sopchoppy in Wakulla County, Florida as an infant. This move came as a shy third grader. I missed my friends Sam and Robert. We could go and do as we pleased all over town with no concern for safety. We had the river and plenty to occupy our Mayberry like days. Monticello was cultured, historical and too large to wander. Making friends was difficult for me.

I did not fit in well and really did not know how. But I could run. 

The day came near the end of Easter break when our PE coach announced we were going to hold a race to determine the fastest runner in third grade. Everyone knew that was going to be Jimmy Haines. They did not know me.

The day came when coach lined us up with instructions to run from the building, down the hill, touch the fence and return.

I had no illusion of winning, I just wanted to not finish last. The whistle blew and I was in the pack but soon moved up near Jimmy. By the fence I had pulled along side him. We touched together. I was being noticed. By midway up the hill, I pulled ahead. I won by several strides.

There was some celebration, but mostly confusion that someone had outran Jimmy.

It was the in that helped me find new friends in Monticello. 

I went on from Monticello back to Kentucky to begin Fifth grade in Wilmore.

There were no races needed to fit in as I was now the confident champion from Monticello.