The pain is real and so is the reward for Mustang’s Downing
The beginning of any run starts with a sharp strike of pain and a quick prayer for Mustang senior Emma Downing.
Early in her career, Downing tried to fight the pain, pretending it didn't exist while she pounded courses across Oklahoma racing for the fastest time.
But by her senior season, Downing decided to try a different tactic.
"I have accepted it," Downing said. "Embracing the pain, knowing it hurts, toughening up and getting over it has really allowed me to clear my mind when running."
The pain acceptance yielded fantastic results for Downing.
Her senior year was filled with milestone performances and personal bests, including her best at the state meet in Edmond when she ran 18:31.55 to finish second and help Mustang claim third place.
For her season-long effort, Downing is The Oklahoman's All-City Runner of the Year.
"When I crossed that line, I saw the time and just couldn't believe it," Downing said. "I had never run that low before."
Downing's knee pain stems from OsgoodSchlatter Disease, which causes chronic inflammation of the area just below the knee where the tendon from the kneecap attaches to the shinbone.
Despite her new attitude, Downing said she wasn't feeling all that confident heading into her final race. She said she went in wanting to enjoy her final race and not concentrate on the results.
"You are going to run for you and let this be your last race and run hard and give glory to God," she said. "I was running fourth for a long time and then I got up past the third place girl and then I made it to second and I said 'Oh my god, what is happening.'"
Then an even more wonderful result happened after the race.
Downing got a phone call from Oklahoma Baptist to offer her a scholarship to run cross country.
Coming from a single-parent household, Downing said she was overjoyed at the possibility of continuing her running career and education at OBU.
"To have help with college is such a blessing," Downing said. "It was funny but after state, nothing was hurting that day."