The Runner's Journey Series Book 2

Chasing New Heights is the continuation of Holly’s journey as she transitions into high school, where new challenges await her on and off the cross country course. After a triumphant middle school season, Holly faces increased competition, self-doubt, and the pressure of leadership as she mentors younger runners like Mia.

With the state championships on the horizon, Holly must balance the weight of expectations, her friendships, and her passion for running. Through perseverance, she discovers that success is not just about winning but about personal growth, teamwork, and embracing the journey.

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Excerpt from Chasing New Heights © Copyright 2024 Sean Lacow

Chapter 1: First Day of High School

The early morning sun cast long shadows across the sidewalk as Holly stood outside her house, backpack slung over one shoulder, staring down the street that led to the bus stop. The cool air had the crispness of late summer, but instead of feeling invigorated, Holly felt a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. Today was the first day of high school. It wasn’t just another first day of school; it felt like a monumental shift in her life. Everything she knew—everything she’d grown comfortable with—was about to change.

Holly exhaled slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. She adjusted the strap of her backpack and glanced down at her reflection in the car window parked in the driveway. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a high ponytail, loose strands falling into her face no matter how many times she brushed them away. She was wearing her favorite hoodie, the one that made her feel safe and comfortable, even on the most challenging days. It hung loosely around her frame, the cuffs worn from years of nervous tugging.

She couldn’t stop fidgeting—her fingers constantly twisting the fabric of her hoodie as if that would somehow dispel the nervous energy coiled inside her. But nothing seemed to help. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, most of them revolving around cross country. Sure, today was the first day of classes, but it wasn’t English or math that she was worried about. It was the first practice with the high school cross country team.

The thought of it made her stomach flip. She had trained so hard over the summer, waking up before sunrise to run the quiet streets of her neighborhood, trying to prepare herself for the challenge that lay ahead. Every morning, she’d pushed herself a little harder, a little further, telling herself that it would all pay off when the season started. But even after weeks of grueling training, the doubts were still there, nagging at the edges of her mind.

What if I’m not good enough?

The question popped into her head uninvited, like it always did. No matter how much she tried to push it away, it always came back. She had told herself that she belonged on this team, that she had earned her spot after a strong middle school season. But high school was a different world, with faster runners, longer races, and more intense competition. And then there was Grace.

Grace had been the talk of the cross country scene all summer. Even before the school year started, Holly had heard whispers about her—a freshman like Holly, but with a reputation that was already larger than life. Grace was fast, faster than most of the upperclassmen, and her times from middle school were the stuff of legend. People were saying that she was going to lead the team to state this year, maybe even win it all. Holly had never met her, but the thought of competing against someone like Grace only added to the pressure.

Focus, Holly. She shook her head, trying to clear the fog of doubt. It’s just the first day. One step at a time.

The bus stop was only a few blocks away, but the walk felt longer than usual. Each step was a reminder of the weight pressing down on her, the invisible expectations she carried on her shoulders. She wished she could go back to middle school, where things had felt simpler. Back then, she had known everyone, had felt comfortable with her teammates. She had been part of something—a team where she belonged. But now… everything felt different.

When she finally reached the bus stop, there were already a few students gathered there, chatting and laughing as if this were just another normal day. Holly lingered at the edge of the group, feeling awkward and out of place. None of them were familiar. They were probably upperclassmen, already at ease with the routine of high school. She envied them.

The bus arrived with a screech of brakes, and Holly climbed on, sliding into an empty seat near the back. She stared out the window as the bus pulled away, her mind wandering back to the summer.

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