Colleen Brady

Past Entries

Entry 1

Entry 2

Entry 3

September 29, 2003

Adele's journal entry from last week hit home. This week I found myself questioning my choice to participate in Emory athletics. I felt overwhelmed by school--too many tests and papers seemed to fill my schedule. On top of all that, I have been struggling with a foot injury and unable to run with the team. As I pedaled an exercise bike in isolation, I felt frustrated and down.

No athletic experience can consist solely of "up" moments. We have to have our failures, our injuries, and our bad days every once in awhile. These down moments only make the successes sweeter. So, as I sit with an ice bag on my foot, I have hope for the great moments I will share with my teammates. I have decided to make a short list of the "highs" of running on the Emory team.

1. Friendship and everything that comes with it—laughter, trust, companionship, and support.
2. Working with a supportive and encouraging coaching staff.
3. Winning (team success)
4. Sunday morning bagels
5. Personal accomplishments
6. Pride
7. Feeling physically exhausted but knowing you've given your all
8. Van rides with the team
9. Coach Graham's (bad) jokes
10. Our Learnlink conference when we're bored in the library

My list could easily fill the pages of a book. I love Emory cross country, even when I think that I don't. The good times outweigh the slumps by far, and I feel blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team.

Colleen Brady is a junior from Jonesville, Mich. She would love to answer e-mail questions from Emory recruits and fans.