SHIZUKA Junior Olympics The Junior Olympics are now over. I lost again in the first round, but I finished two places higher than I did last year, so I am happy with that fact. I wasn't picked for relay this year, so my mother and I went to Chinatown and had lunch at famous Chinese restaurant and after we had a Chinese body massage, then we went shopping. Also the 9th grade champion and I talked and watched some races together. She did beat my time in the 200meters. .She told me that she knows that next year I would be her biggest rival in the 200meters for the national team, and we both laughed and exchanged phone numbers. We will start to practice sometime together for next season. I saw and talked to some old friends and met some new ones. There were a few surprises as well. One of my good friends from the same regional didn't make her state team. Last year she finished in 4th place in the finals. Also my friend from Hiroshima, also same region, and I got to have a long talk .because we ran in the same group. My coach was surprised that I knew so many runners. Unfortunately the train in front of our train crashed We were stuck on the train for a couple of hours. This was the drama of the Junior Olympics. To my surprise we all had our own hotel rooms. ALL in ALL I had a very goodtime. I'm looking forward to going back next year. but next year I can run the 200meters, because it is 9th grade only. This my strongest event. I have even beaten our school boys 9th grade 200 meter champion. So next year look for me in the finals. We went on the Nozumi Superexpress train which travels at 330km per hour, very fast. You can see a lot of the country on this train. This week is test week. So far so good: three test came back all over 90 percent. I have two tests left. My mother checked and thete are no yoga classes in our region. so I will join Tai Chi ancient Chinese relax class, mostly senior citizens, because all older chinese do this for exercise. Shizuka, with medal Editor's note: I asked Shizuka for permission to print her email chat on the Junior Olympics. It makes great reading. If you are in the Junior Olympics and you would like me to print an "email chat" please email me. EDITOR'S NOTE Shizuka will be highlighting her favorite track stars with quotes, greatest accomplishments, inspiration, and facts. If you would also like to do one of these pages, please keep it short and send info to KR, PO Box 209, Fiskdale, MA 01518 If are 13 years or older (or under the age of 13 and have a PIN) you may email your story to goodrow@infionline.net Privacy Policy of Kids Running