First, I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to represent my country for what I hope to be the first of many times.

The race today was the most mentally grueling race I have ever run. We had to be in the call room (where we received our numbers and left our warmup clothes) ready to go 40 minutes before the start. I usually begin warming up 45 minutes before, so this was very different than my usual routine. 

The weather was decent, a little chilly and very windy though. The start of the race was crazy. My competitors were using very aggressive race strategies - I kept getting knocked around by flying elbows.  About five minutes into the race a girl stopped right in front of me to tie her shoe - I had to stop midway up a hill and completely break stride to get around her.

The first part of the race was just very congested, after about seven minutes it began to string out and it became less physical. The course was at 3,500 feet of elevation and on the second hill I began to feel the lack of oxygen. I was able to keep my cool and maintain focus on my breathing, however, my side began cramping about halfway through. 

I started in the 40s, by halfway I was in the mid 20s and right at the finish I passed a girl from the Japanese team to get 19th place overall. I was the fourth-place runner from a non-African country to finish the race, which I am satisfied with.

The USA junior team finished fifth overall and I am so proud of my teammates for gutting it out and keeping their composure on that course. Kenya and Ethiopia traditionally dominate this race, and they did not disappoint. Japan held their own for third, and Great Britain was fourth.

Our race was the first of the event. The junior boys and senior women and men proceeded us. The boys and women were fifth also, and the men were eighth. There were 63 countries represented. We watched the races and then loaded up the bus to travel the 30 minutes back to the hotel to get ready for the banquet. 

The dinner was a fancier version of the staple hotel food of hummus and pita that I have been eating.  They did have some pasta and salad to accompany my main course though :) During dinner the Jordanian Prince spoke and thanked us for coming to their country. It was really neat.  After the party began they had silly string and blinky pompoms and glow sticks.

There was a DJ and the athletes quickly made their way to the dance floor.  I had a great time dancing with the girls and other US team members. The neat thing about the dance was that even though we all don't speak the same language and are from all over the world, everyone was enjoying themselves in a celebration of the event.

It is almost 2 a.m. here, I just finished packing and I am headed to bed. We are leaving for a day trip to Petra at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow. Our flight leaves Jordan on Monday at 3:30 a.m., so my sleep is going to be scarce for the next 48 hours. I will see you all on Tuesday when I am back on campus.

- Neely