"Last call-girl's two hundred finals!" Okay, I am ready for this race, I've been practicing for the past week for this meet (the NH Class M-S meet) and I am very nervous. I got first in my heat in the trials, but it was a slow race-I need to cut at least a second off of that time. We have already been assigned heats and lanes, I am in lane three heat three, the first heat has already been run and heat two are adjusting their blocks. "Runners to your marks!" yells the starter, "Set!" and the gun. Wow, everyone is so fast! I am setting up my blocks, my friend is holding them in place as I practice. She tells me to relax, have fun, and good luck! I am past the state of nervousness, my mind is clear, and I am in my own world. "Runners to your marks!" A long pause-it seems like forever! "Set!" An even longer pause, I am in position-unbalanced. BANG--the race starts and --BANG-- a false start. Great I think, just my luck-they are pointing at me! Disbelief, embarrassment, sadness all wash over me at the same time. I look at my friend and take my blocks, I laugh and cry at the same time. How could I do this?! The most important race of the season and I had to false start this one!

Well, it was only a race, I was so disappointed, but I got over it. There will be more meets in the next three years of high school. There is a first time for everything (including false starts). My name is Shaina Damm, track is my favorite activity, I also enjoy soccer, skiing (water and downhill), and basketball. My parents, 8 year old brother, twin sister, and I live in Meredith, NH, on Lake Winnepesaukee. I go to Inter-Lakes High School and enjoy many activities. Right now I am in the first week of M&M and it is a great experience.

If you ever have a chance to do something-go for it! Everything in life is a great experience--Stay, live, and have fun!!!