Junior Emily Van Valkenburg of Eastlake High in Sammamish, Wash., who won the girls unattached/club sweepstakes 5-kilometer event in 17:15.48 on Oct. 2 at the 14th annual Desert Twilight Festival at The Links at Queen Creek in San Tan Valley, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to recap her trip to Arizona and the thrilling finish of the race. Van Valkenburg expresses gratitude for being able to compete again in a race with other athletes after several months of running time trials by herself or with a few teammates. She reflects on the final stretch of the race and being able to edge fellow Washington standout Julia David-Smith of Issaquah (17:15.53) with her last two strides to cross the finish line first. Van Valkenburg shares how enjoyable the trip was outside of the meet, appreciating the camaraderie of she and fellow teammates staying in a house together along with the adult chaperones. She revisits her preparation for the race in Arizona, which included several time trials, including two notable performances that demonstrated her improved fitness. Van Valkenburg ran 10:43.95 in the 3,200 meters in June in the first time trial at Eastlake's home stadium once restrictions were lifted at the track after it was closed for an extended period of time as a result of COVID-19 precautions. She also completed a 3-mile time trial in 16:17 in September as part of the Woodbridge Classic Trample the Virus virtual platform, giving her increased belief and confidence to excel in a 5-kilometer cross country race. Van Valkenburg reveals the significance of writing "I Am Strong" on the inside of her left arm for the race, demonstrating support for veteran Eastlake coach Troy Anderson, who was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma earlier this year (Visit the GoFundMe page for Anderson here). She speaks about the inspiration gained from Anderson, as well as her mother, who recovered from surgery earlier this year to be present at her time trials and races. Van Valkenburg is motivated to race again this fall, before the WIAA begins an official winter season, potentially Nov. 15 in Indiana.