Jac was SO ready for this race; mentally AND physically!
It was a "Great day for a race"!
Jac went out strong and stayed with the lead pack for the first mile
As the race went on, we knew things weren't right. Jac went from the top 5 to finishing in 31st place.
It was devastating! A nightmare you never want to have to see!
Our hearts ached as we saw her come across the finish line; feeling so defeated. "Whats wrong with me?" "I just gave up!" "I failed!" Were the first words out of her mouth.
If you know Jacqueline, you KNOW she NEVER GIVES UP! She might let a few girls pass her and kick herself later for it but this season she has really been struggling. She is stronger than ever but then race day comes and her body can't sustain.
Is she growing out of her speed? Is it too much training? Is there something physically wrong?
We had so many questions! A few friends, including the AF coach, suggested taking her in to get her iron checked.
When we took her to the Doctor he told us her iron was just fine but he was concerned about her thyroid. Sure enough, the blood tests show she has a low thyroid. The doctor told us we are lucky to have found it now because without treatment she would just get worse during this next year.
We should have done this testing back in the spring when she first showed signs of extra fatigue but we just thought she was going through a slum. She seemed to pull out of it by the end of track season but it started all over with XC season. It took bonking this bad to give us the wake up call we needed!
Jac is SO TOUGH, she never blames others and always looks inward to see how she can improve and be better. What a strength this is usually BUT she refused to admit how bad her legs were hurting and how "off" she felt, thinking it was just her mental attitude that needed adjusting.
The lessons learned this season have been tough ones. Lessons that have already strengthened and will continue to strengthen her!
"There are no bad races if you learn from them!"
We feel so blessed to have answers! We still have more testing to see how severe and what kind of treatment needs to be done but at least we are on the right path to getting her better.
Jac will be back to her normal strong running self in no time!
Maddy, Emily, Nicole, Emma, Kenzie, Jac, Angela
LEHI GIRLS 4th place
Jac came home yesterday saying how grateful she is to have such great friends. She has always known this but to see people rally around her and show how much they love her no matter what...it means a lot to her AND to her family :)
It is a great reminder on what life is really about!
We are so proud of you Jac!
UPDATE...Just got call from the doctor. Jac's thyroid is OK, BUT she has MONO! Her levels are sky high! on two of the levels that are supposed to be between 20-30 she has 112 and 225! The other level is 21 points OVER the highest usual level!
He said this starting coming on at least a month ago...makes a lot of sense doesn't it?!
NO she has NOT been kissing boys! :)
She also has lower iron than needed for athletes so she will start her on meds for that. As for the mono...she needs lots and lots of REST!! We are praying for a quicker than usual recovery :)
The first snow of the year made it extra fun for everyone! 
Bunk mates
