Book #3: Ana is training for the ultimate sports challenge. She's swimming, biking, and running like there's no tomorrow. But she has to face the true test of sportsmanship when Clarissa, her snobby teammate, pushes her to the limit.

Takes place September to October 1997

Read Books page for more facts about the timeline.

Locations

To learn more, find these settings under Locations!

Blaine's Old High School
Bus Stop
Central Park
Eatz
Florist's Shop
Hawaii
Manhattan International High
Mexico City, Mexico
Mrs. Jiminez's Corner Grocery Store
New York City, New York, USA
Park
Russia
Store
Suarez Home
Subway Station
Washington Heights High School/Ana's Old School
Washington Heights "Spanish Harlem"

Characters

To learn more, find the characters on the Gen Girl Universe Characters page!

Ana Maria Marissa Suarez
Barbara Barbie Roberts
Nichelle Williams Watson
Blaine Gordon
Chelsie Peterson
Lara Marie Morelli-Strauss
Victoria Tori Vicky Susie Burns
Aunt Tessa
Abuela
Gordo the Cat
Juan Suarez
Mr. Jose Suarez "Papi"
Mrs. Jiminez
Mrs. Jiminez's Son
Mrs. Marta Suarez "Mama"
Rosa Suarez
Mrs. Peterson "Mum"
Coach Sonya Kirov
Coach Arlen
Football Coach
Mr. Budge
Mr. Henri Toussaint
Mrs. Glottel
Ms. Newton
Principal Simmons
Team Doctor
Clarisse Stephenson and Friends
Friend at Eatz
Ivor
Skateboarder
Tiffany
Art Students
Bike Messengers and Businessmen
Dog Walker
Florist
Mr. Stephenson
Mrs. Stephenson
Ms. Ponytail
Old Chess Players
Princess the Dog
The Officials
Three Little Girls
Bill Gates
Lisa Leslie
Naomi Campbell

Full Book Summary

Chapter 1: "Pardon Me, Is This Your Sandal?"

Eatz was packed with International High students when Ana Suarez entered. She was trying to balance her books and gym bags, thinking she needs to buy a bigger locker. In a corner booth, she spots her friends Barbie and Nichelle, who is reading a fashion magazine and applying purple lipstick.

Before she could walk towards them, a skateboarder bumps into her hard, causing her books, her gym bag, and even the clothes in it, to go tumbling to the floor. Ana is frustrated. At the table in front of her, her track teammate and rival, Clarisse, and her friends start laughing at her. They pretend to act sweet when asking if she's okay.

Ana ignores them. However, at that moment, a boy comes along to help her pick up her things. At first, Ana insists she doesn't need his help, not wanting him to lose his place in the food line. The boy insists his friend is saving his spot. He introduces himself as Blaine Gordon, extending his hand. Ana awkwardly introduces herself, having the sandal still in her hand. Blaine places the sandal in her bag just as his friend calls him over. Ana notices that Clarisse and her friends aren't laughing anymore.

Ana makes it over to the table with her friends, and Nichelle asks who the "hunk" is. This startles Ana, as she hadn't paid much attention to the boy. Barbie hands Ana the salad she saved for her. Ana had been practicing for the upcoming Central Park Triathlon, and she needs to stay healthy and in shape. Barbie got a new video camera from her parents, and plans on filming Ana at the finish line.

Nichelle keeps inquiring about Blaine, though Ana insists he only helped her pick up her sandals. Ana tells them he's Blaine Gordon, and Barbie recognizes him as the boy running for student body president.

Suddenly, Nichelle whispers that Blaine is coming back Ana's way. Ana doesn't believe her until Blaine taps her on the shoulder. He returns her history book that he found and then awkwardly asks Ana-and her friends-if they would like to study together sometime. Ana is stunned. Nichelle responds "Yes" for her.

When Blaine leaves, Nichelle points out that Clarisse was into Blaine, but Blaine is into Ana. Ana is not happy to give Clarisse one more reason to hate her.

Ana looks at her watch and realizes it's time for her to catch her bus home. Barbie decides to walk with her since Ana, who has lived in New York City her whole life, knows so much about the city.

As Ana walks with Barbie, she notices things Ana misses from being used to it all. Barbie even stops a dog walker to pet the dog they're in charge of. The woman said she made $100.00 a week walking dogs. But when Ana inquires about the job, needing money for running shoes, the woman tells her she needs all the business she can get.

Barbie continues petting the dog and laughing at the rhinestone collar. This puts Ana in a good mood, making her forget her trouble with Clarisse.

Ana's bus arrives and she waves bye at the door and through the window of the bus. Barbie pretends she's filming Ana on an old-fashioned camera as the bus pulls away.

Chapter 2: The Suarez Family

When Ana Suarez steps off the bus, she enters a completely different neighborhood than the one she goes to school in. There's broken glass bottles on the streets, bars on the windows of stores, and graffiti on the walls. But three little girls are playing jump rope and Ana hears the salsa music. She feels she lives in two different worlds.

Ana enters the corner grocery store and is smashed in a hug by Mrs. Jiminez, the owner of the store and a good friend of her Mama's. Mrs. Jiminez knew the family from Mexico. She spoke very little English, and felt she didn't need to because everyone in the neighborhood spoke Spanish. Mrs. Jiminez helps Ana get everything she needs while rambling. She asks if Ana likes her new school, and Ana says she does and likes her new friends. Mrs. Jiminez invites Ana's mother over for some flan.

Once Ana has her groceries, she heads to her apartment. She groans, realizing she has to carry her books, gym bag, and now the groceries. She lugs it all up the stairs and sees it as a workout.

When she enters the apartment, her Mama is cooking. Rosa, Ana's four year old sister runs to her, asking to be picked up. She looks up to Ana, and even wears her hair like Ana. The apartment is tiny. Ana's father made enough money to move to a better neighborhood, closer to Ana's school, but Ana's mother wanted to stay with people who spoke Spanish. She hadn't learned English as well as her husband because she didn't work. After Ana's mother kisses her and Rosa, Rosa screams in Ana's ear with happiness, causing Ana to put her down and tell her to stop screaming. Rosa sticks out her tongue and asks her if she can scream in her nose.

Ana rolls her eyes. At that moment, Mama asks Ana to help with cooking. Ana tries chopping onions but it doesn't come out right. Ana doesn't feel she's as good as her mother at cooking. She even sloshes over some bean juice while moving the pot to make room for the rice pot. Ana is just happy she's good at sports.

At that moment, her father enters the apartment in his construction gear. He hugs his little daughter, chasing after her as if he's a bear. Mama tells him to stop so he doesn't give her laundry by messing up Rosa's dress. He stops and gives his wife a hug instead. He inquires about his son, Juan.

Juan is sitting on the sofa watching television. Ana explains that instead of going to college, he joined the navy. At first her mother cried and her father yelled, but now they've accepted it. Ana plops down next to her brother on the sofa, complaining about how long her day is. He compares her tired looks to their mother, which causes them to wrestle and get into a pillow fight. Rosa jumps in, at the same time telling them dinner is ready. She's sits on top of them.

Their mother comes out with dinner and they all sit around and eat. Ana is happy, even if her family isn't as wealthy as the ones like Clarisse. Her brother Juan announces that next he's going to be posted in Hawaii. Ana wants to visit him right away. Juan gave Rosa a necklace of plastic flowers. He gave Ana his address. Though Ana knew her mother would be sad, the family was proud of him. He was leaving in two weeks, so he would miss Ana's triathlon, though. He asked Ana to send him pictures.

That night, Ana curls up with her cat Gordo, fighting sleep from a long day. She still had homework. Despite how late it is, she still sets her alarm for 5a.m., hoping to get a run in and hoping to meet up with Barbie and Nichelle.

Chapter 3: The Note Behind the Tile

The next day, Ana steps off the Subway into a smelly Subway Station. Very rarely is it this quiet in New York City, but that's normal this early in the morning. Ana hurries up the stairs to avoid the smell.

When Ana reaches International High, she uses her personal Student ID card to enter the building. All of the athletes had a personalized one that allowed them to swipe and enter the building. First, Ana heads to her locker on the 5th floor. The Generation Girls kept notes under a loose tile on this floor. Ana checks under it and sees a note with fancy handwriting but a big orange juice stain on it from Chelsie. Chelsie tells her that Mr. Henri Toussaint wanted more about girls' sports. She asks if Ana will help her write an article based on her experiences at the Triathlon, practically begging her to do it. She says she wants to meet Ana at lunch to talk more about it. Ana already thinks it might be fun, but aims to do it after the Triathlon. That's her main focus lately.

Ana puts on her lucky shirt, which was her brother Juan's sports shirt from high school. It had been worn down, but Ana was going to wear it until it fell apart. She heads to the track to practice her running. After a good run, she takes a shower in the gym and changes into her swimsuit. Ana plans on being on the Swim team in the Spring, and the Coach told her to practice even in the Fall. Ana takes a lane all to herself and swims from one end to the other.

When Ana emerges, Nichelle is sitting on the bleachers with her head in a Math book. She compliments Ana on her swimming power. She then joins Ana in the pool, swimming a few laps. Then, the girls hurry, change, and head to their first class.

In their first class, Barbie whispers to Ana asking if she got Chelsie's note. Ana confirms it just as their English teacher, Mr. Toussaint taps her desk, asking her about the last line of Romeo and Juliet. Barbie rolls her eyes in apology. Ana fumbles, trying to make sense of the line. Mr. Toussaint was a popular and easygoing teacher when students actually completed his lessons. She hadn't had a chance to read the play, being busy with her sports. Ana realizes that even though she got straight As at her old school, I.H. was much tougher for her. She comes up with an answer, and it manages to be good enough.

After English and French class, where Barbie got called on and barely managed to speak properly, they meet at Ana's locker before going to their next classes. Barbie hates her Californian accent when speaking French, and wants to listen to tapes to improve. Lara meets them at Ana's locker, and tells Barbie not to worry. Lara was from France, so she offers to help Barbie and tells her how to move her mouth when she speaks.

Nichelle then meets them at Ana's locker. She tells Barbie she has to learn how to speak French since she looks so good in a beret. Suddenly, she quickly changes the subject and asks Ana where's Blaine.

At that very moment, a stream of students pass them, Clarisse and her friends among them, and Ana believes they are laughing at her. Unfortunately, Clarisse's locker is right next to Ana's, and she puts on lip gloss as she eavesdrops on the Generation Girls.

Ana tells Nichelle she won't see Blaine until 5th period History. She half-teasingly asked if her hair was okay (though she did wear her favorite earrings and blue blouse). She then dismisses it, saying she probably won't see him then anyway. Nichelle loudly says he's so into her, just so Clarisse can hear. Lara encourages her by sharing with Ana that he'd been looking for her all morning.

At this, Clarisse slams her locker shut, rattling her locker's mirror and stalks off. Nichelle blurts that it will teach Clarisse not to eavesdrop, and she mimicks the way Clarisse walks away, causing Ana to laugh. Nichelle remarks that Clarisse thinks she's all that. Barbie isn't as amused. She tells them they can't blame Clarisse if they're late, causing the girls to quickly part ways. Ana agrees to meet with Barbie and Nichelle at lunch time in the cafeteria.

In Art class, Ana enjoys how calm it is. She likes her teacher Ms. Grottel, who put on Classical music. Even Tori is much calmer in this classroom. She and Tori admire each others' art, with Tori's being "different", as usual. Ana then remembers that Tori is in the USA without her parents, and can't imagine being without hers, even if they drive her nuts. She asks Tori about her aunt, who turned out to be a famous artist. Tori shares that she took her aunt in-line skating in Central Park. She asks if Ana wants to go with them next time. Though Ana loves in-line skating, and knows Tori has extra skates, she reminds Tori that she has to focus on the Triathlon for now.

After class, Ana asks Tori if she wants to come to lunch with them. Normally, she'd be out of luck because I.H. gave Tori a morning lunch schedule. However, Tori's next period class was canceled and Tori needed to talk to Chelsie about the Generation Beat website. She also jokes that they should never eat the garbage served at I.H. alone, in case they die of food poisoning.

Ana and Tori head to the cafeteria. Nichelle has reserved a table in the middle of the cafeteria for them. Chelsie is already picking at her mystery meat. Ana notices she's wearing what looks like a school uniform while at it. Barbie asks how art was for Tori and Ana, which Tori answers was "splendiferous and outstanding". Ana grabs another chair to join them and encourages Chelsie to eat the salad, which she remarks has a lower mortality rate. Nichelle kept gauard of the table while the other girls entered the lunch line. When they got back, she and Barbie went back for some ice cream.

Ana asks Chelsie about her new position as Assistant Managing Editor. Chelsie shares with Ana that it's so much work that she barely gets any sleep. Ana asks if Chelsie's new outfit is her uniform. Chelsie shares with Ana that her mother made her wear it. Every once in awhile, her mother throws a fit at Chelsie's wardrobe and insists she dresses preppy. After awhile, she calms down and then it starts up again.

After taking a sip of soda, Chelsie asks Ana once again if she will write the sports article. Ana agrees to do it, but only after the Triathlon. Chelsie says there's no problem, especially since she's been meaning to ask her for a long time now. She didn't ask before because Ana seemed so busy. Ana assures Chelsie she will help with the article and will help Chelsie organize the Generation Beat after the Triathlon.

Chapter 4: Whispering in the Locker Room

In the last period of the day, Ana is fighting not to obviously look at Blaine, who normally sits at the back of the classroom. Ana pretends to knock her book to the ground behind her, but when she leans forward to pick it up, she doesn't see Blaine. Instead, she sees a boy named Ivor, who normally sits in the front.

Right before the bell rings, Blaine rushes into class and sits right next to Ana. He shares with Ana that he just got a new pair of glasses and asked to switch places with Ivor so he could sit at the front of the room. He hopes she doesn't mind. Ana is speechless. She quickly tells him she doesn't mind. She observes Blaine, and decides he's cute. She tells him it will make history class better, and he tells her he lives to improve her life, with a dramatic bow in his seat.

Throughout class, sitting next to Blaine made an otherwise boring class better. He passed notes to her with jokes about how boring the class is, and she responded. The class went by faster than usual.

Ana and Blaine exit the class together, but the run right into Clarisse. She ignores Ana and begins talking to Blaine about how he missed her birthday last week. She expected him to at least call. Blaine mumbles happy birthday to her. Ana's heart sinks and she wonders what kind of relationship he and Clarisse have. Clarisse rambles on to Blaine, while still ignoring Ana. Blaine suddenly cuts Clarisse off and asks if she knows Ana. Clarisse tries to dismiss Ana with her hand. Ana tells Blaine that she and Clarisse are on the same track team. Blaine is impressed, commenting it's no wonder Ana is in such good shape. Then, he asks Clarisse what she was saying, clearly not paying attention to her. Clarisse tells him to forget it, and stalks away. Blaine wonders what her problem is, and Ana tells him she said "forget it".

At that moment, Blaine has to put his books up in his locker and will come right back. Ana sees Nichelle across the hall giving a thumbs up sign. She tells Blaine to meet her over at her friend Nichelle. He agrees and leaves. Ana rushes over to Nichelle, and she excitedly shares that she's happy to see Clarisse get upset. She then tells Ana all she has to do is beat her at practice today, and her day will be complete.

Suddenly, Ana remembers her practice is starting soon. She forgot about it, but she promised Blaine she'd meet him at Nichelle's locker. Nichelle tells Ana she will tell Blaine that Ana had to run to practice, certain he will understand.

When Ana gets to practice, she puts on her lucky shirt. The other team members wore the new tracksuits in the school colors. Ana wanted to wear her lucky worn shirt. Along with the Triathlon, a track meet was being held that Saturday. They gathered to practice.

The first practice event was sprinting. Clarisse is really good at it, and beats Ana two out of three times. Ana was close on her heels the third time. She decides if she practices more, she can beat her next time. Ana's specialty was long-distance, like the Triathlon, not quite sprinting. The second practice event was hurdles. Clarisse and Ana were both good at that. However, Ana beats Clarisse by a few steps. Their Coach Arlen commends Ana for doing the best she's ever done, but this worries Ana, knowing it will only fuel their rivalry.

In the locker room, Ana overhears Clarisse talking to her friend Tiffany about her. Tiffany can't believe Blaine is into Ana. Clarisse insists that Blaine is just soft-hearted and feels sorry for Ana. She tells Tiffany that Ana comes from Washington Heights and that when her mother came to Parents night, Clarisse's mother commented that she can barely speak English. Clarisse reminds Tiffany that Blaine once helped at a soup kitchen, too. She adds that she thinks it's pitiful watching Ana chase him.

After the girls leave, Ana is embarrassed and angry. Ana suddenly believes that Blaine may have seen her as a charity case, based on him saying he lives to improve her life. All the way home on the bus, Ana wishes she'd told him to get lost or that "this little Mexican girl" doesn't need your help. Ana begins to cry, but when she hears her sister calling for her at the top of the stairs, she roughly wipes her tears away. Ana resolves that she will be successful at International High, and will prove it to them all. She resolves that Blaine and Clarisse deserve each other.

Chapter 5: A Cruel Twist of Fate

Ana has been refusing to talk to Blaine, avoiding going into History class until a few moments before the bell rings. Even when Blaine tries to pass her notes in class, Ana just sticks the notes in her notebook. She's completely distracted, and even at home the notes just stare at her. She's afraid she really won't pass at this rate, and is frustrated she's liking a boy right now.

When class is over, Ana is approaching Nichelle when Blaine comes up behind her, greeting Nichelle. Nichelle, not knowing the issue, greets them both cheerfully, asking how both of them are doing. Ana drags Nichelle away, with Nichelle confused and asking what happened. Ana loudly shouts she doesn't care about stupid Blaine, causing the whole hallway to look her way. Ana is super embarrassed, especially because she thinks the whole school thinks she's chasing after Blaine. Nichelle gets everyone to go about their business, then asks what happened. Barbie emerges from the crowd, also concerned about Ana. Ana fights tears, but sinks on a bench near her locker. They both think it might have something to do with Blaine, and Nichelle and Barbie threaten to knock his block off. Ana insists she can handle it.

The crowd clears in the hallway as Lara approaches them asking if they want French fries (which, as someone from France, she thinks is funny because they aren't French). At this, Ana brushes her problems away and is ready to eat a burger. She races her friends to Eatz, pulling way ahead of them as a trained athlete. The only one who passes them is Tori, who'd come up behind them on her in-line skates. Before entering, Nichelle comments on how bad they look, with her friends telling her to speak for herself. Nichelle reminds them she's gorgeous, and they look bad. At this, they come after her, but she pulls ahead into the restaurant to avoid them. Tori is already at the counter, and she expertly balances a plate of fries and a coke on skates.

Ana enjoys some junk food today, not even worrying about Blaine or Clarisse.

On Saturday, the next day, Ana is up early, ready for the Track Meet in her lucky t-shirt. Barbie and Nichelle have given up their Saturdays to watch the meet, with Barbie dressed casually and holding her hot chocolate thermos and Nichelle dressed stylishly bundled up in her purple blazer. Barbie pokes Nichelle with the thermos, causing Nichelle to make a face that makes Ana smile.

When the Meet begins, Clarisse makes a sarcastic compliment towards Ana's outfit (her worn lucky t-shirt). This time, Ana gets pulled into the rivalry, telling Clarisse it helps her run fast and helped her beat Clarisse before. At this, Clarisse grows red in the face and says "well see". Clarisse's best friend Tiffany looks nervously at the two girls, reminding them that they're against the other teams, not each other.

At that moment, Clarisse's father calls for her. For a moment, Ana is jealous because her father can't be there due to work, but then she overhears how hard Clarisse's father is on Clarisse, feeling that second place is for losers. Clarisse had one second-place overall in the last Meet, with Ana coming in third. Ana's family had been proud of her, but not Clarisse's father. Ana begins to feel sorry for Clarisse, and realizes why she's so mean.

When the first even, the sprints are up, Ana tries to think of nothing but the race, even with Clarisse uttering how excuses are for losers. Once the gunshot goes off, they are off. Ana runs so fast, it's over before she knows it--and she finally beat Clarisse, to her surprise. Though Clarisse's time was the same, Ana had just gotten better. Coach Arlen screamed at how Ana won. But Clarisse is not happy at all. She tries to walk to her father, but he turns his back on her, pointing to the track.

While the crowd is still cheering, Blaine arrives and comes up to Barbie and Nichelle. Both of them are giving him the cold shoulder. Blaine is still confused about what happened, and asks them what he did wrong. To be honest, Ana hadn't shared with them anything, so they're just mad at him because Ana is, for whatever reason. They assure Blaine Ana isn't like this all the time, so there must be a good reason.

Blaine tries to remember when this all started. Nichelle realizes that it happened after Track Meet practice. She's sure it has something to do with Clarisse. She asks Blaine if they had a relationship. Blaine insists that they used to go to the same high school before going to I.H., and he only went to the movies with her a few times. Now, she thinks she owns him. Barbie is sure that she doesn't like that he's into Ana because of that.

Nichelle realizes the only way Ana would believe anything jealous Clarisse has to say is if she made it seem that Blaine didn't really want to be with Ana and really wants to be with her. Blaine wonders how he can fix this. Barbie and Nichelle suggest he cheer for Ana before the next event so she can know he really is interested.

Right before the hurdles race, Blaine cheers Ana's name. Down the track, Ana is shocked when she hears Blaine cheering for her. She realizes that he came all the way out for her, which confirms she's not just chasing him since she didn't even invite him. Unfortunately, this makes Clarisse even more upset. Under her breath, she resolves to show "them all".

The next event is the hurdles, Ana's best event. When the hurdles begin, Ana has a strong start with several feet falling behind. But Clarisse begins to pull ahead of Ana. Ana starts to think about all the mean things Clarisse said about her and Blaine. Suddenly, Ana gets a burst of energy and pulls ahead of Clarisse. She knows she's going to win.

Unfortunately, Ana suddenly falls hard, banging her knee and hurting her ankle. Ana wails, not because of the pain but because this is happening right before the Triathlon. Barbie, Nichelle, and Blaine rush to her side. Blaine gets her an ice pack. Coach Arlen tells her a doctor has to look at it as it could be broken. Ana hopes not otherwise she won't be able to run at the event she'd been working on all year. She asks who won, and Barbie regrettably tells her Clarisse. Ana asks Barbie to burn the tape.

Chapter 6: Barbie's Instant Replay

On the sidelines, Barbie, Nichelle, and Blaine continued to watch the Track Meet as Ana's ankle got bandaged by the doctor. Clarisse was tearing up the track and winning every event. Barbie had mixed feelings, happy that I.H. was winning the events, but upset that Ana isn't a part of it. Barbie notices that Clarisse doesn't appear happy either, even though she was winning.

Barbie didn't erase the tape like Ana wanted. She still needed to get some pictures to Tori for the Generation Beat website. Barbie rewound the tape. She enjoyed watching Ana win the Sprint event. As soon as the hurdles came up, Barbie winced preparing for the fall. She kept rewinding to watch the fall. Nichelle asked why she kept re-watching it. Barbie wanted to know what happened that made Ana fall. When Barbie checked it frame by frame, suddenly, Barbie saw Clarisse's elbow push Ana. She hoped it was an accident, but the more she saw it, the more she realized Clarisse had done it on purpose

Barbie has Nichelle and Blaine review the footage to make sure they see the same thing. At this point, Nichelle and Blaine are angry. Nichelle believes they should tell Coach Arlen and Principal Simmons. Clarisse may even get kicked off the team. Barbie believes they should let Ana decide since it happened to her. Nichelle is sure Ana would be furious considering she's been practicing for the Central Park Triathlon for a whole year.

As soon as Ana is all bandaged up, the Coach helps Ana over to her friends on the bleachers. Ana remarks that she can't believe her bad luck. She has a bad sprain. Ana fights back tears. Barbie loses her nerve to tell Ana, and Nichelle wraps her arm around her. Blaine takes the camera and shows Ana what happened. After watching, Ana is furious. She wants to tell the Coach right away.

As Ana is trying to head down the bleacher stairs, Clarisse's father blocks her way. He compliments Ana on being fast for a moment, then expresses how proud he is his daughter is winning after his "motivational" talk to her. Ana is determined to tell on Clarisse at this point. Clarisse's mother shows up. Clarisse's father tries to introduce Ana, but her mother ignores Ana, asking if Clarisse won. Clarisse's father confirms she did.

The events are over. Clarisse has won and put I.H. in the finals. Her parents express how proud they are of her, and Clarisse smiles the brightest she ever had. Ana realizes she can't bring herself to turn Clarisse in, even if it pains her to see her being congratulated by the Coach. Ana also realizes it will ruin I.H.'s chances in the finals, disqualifying Clarisse. Ana thinks she has to handle this her own way. She asks Barbie to hold on to the tape, and Barbie tells her it will be there when she needs it.

Chapter 7: Adding Insult to Injury

Though Ana couldn't do much running or biking, she let herself sink into the swimming pool. Blaine had been helpful. He met her at the swimming pool while doing his boring History homework. Now that Ana couldn't train, she hung out more with her friends and had more time to do her homework. Blaine made her laugh, and she tried to stay cheerful.

Overall, though, Ana was miserable and in a bad mood. When alone in Mr. Toussaint's class, Blaine peeked in to help her. She knew he must have liked her to put up with her crutches and bad temper. Blaine asks her if she's writing for the Generation Beat. Ana still is, even if she doesn't see the point anymore. She shares with Blaine that she has a 5% chance of running in the Triathlon, and Coach Arlen had some rehab ideas to help.

When Ana heads to the track to meet Coach Arlen, she sees Clarisse standing next to her, and Clarisse doesn't look happy. Coach Arlen has to go to a coach's conference out of town and "volunteered" Clarisse to coach Ana in her place. At first, Ana wants to scream, but then Ana sees this as an opportunity to get back at her. Knowing that Clarisse hates early morning practice, Ana tells Clarisse that her training starts at 6 a.m. Clarisse glumly agrees to Ana's schedule. Clueless Coach Arlen is happy to see they're working it out.

At Eatz with her friends, Ana shares what happened. At first, Barbie and Nichelle thinks this is awful, since Ana will have to see her every day. Then, Ana explains her plan, how she will make Clarisse her coach servant and then show her the video at the end of it all. Nichelle likes it, even though she thinks kicking her off the team would've been better. Ana is sure this method is best.

The next day, Ana wakes up 30 minutes earlier than usual, but finds it worth it. At the pool in the morning, Clarisse starts by helping Ana swim. Ana lays it on thick, making Clarisse feel bad about her ankle, and Clarisse actually does. When Ana orders her around, Clarisse actually does everything Ana asks. Ana even makes Clarisse coach her after school, too. But Ana discovers that Clarisse is actually a good coach, arriving on time every day and not slacking off for a moment.

Ana begins to feel less joy from this. Clarisse begins to sound like a real coach, motivating Ana by insulting her and calling her lazy. Just to prove Clarisse wrong, Ana starts pushing herself, swimming and biking through the pain.

But Ana is still afraid to run. Clarisse tells Ana she can, that the finish line is at the end, and she implies that Ana is just a "lazy quitter". This infuriates Ana. She runs as hard as she can. Though she doesn't run fast, she finds herself running at least. But in her frustration with being called lazy, Ana sarcastically thanks Clarisse for calling her a quitter and mentions that she knows what Clarisse did to her. Clarisse is confused. Ana takes her back inside the gym, bringing forth the video camera. She pops it into the football coach's VCR and shows her what Barbie filmed. Clarisse suddenly gets choked up with tears, confessing that she felt the pressure to win and was jealous when Blaine was cheering for her. Afterwards, she felt bad and wanted to tell the Coach and her parents, but it wouldn't come out. Her father never told her he was proud of her until that day. She wanted to throw out the trophy, but he took it to put in his office. Clarisse tells Ana she'll resign from the team.

Ana isn't angry at Clarisse anymore. She tells Clarisse not to quit, that she's the best runner on the team, and that Ana needs her as a coach since Coach Arlen will still be too busy to help her as often as Clarisse. Clarisse tells Ana she knows she's not a lazy quitter, and Ana had already realized that was Clarisse's way of motivating her. Clarisse asks if Ana truly practices that early every day, and Ana confesses she really practices at 7 a.m. and this had been torturing them both. They agree to push back the time. Clarisse tells Ana she's running extra laps for that, and Ana says yes to her coach. They shake hands, and Ana is happy not to be enemies with Clarisse.

Chapter 8: The Big Day

The morning of the Central Park Triathlon, it looked like it was going to rain. Ana had been nervous, but she was ready. She'd met up with her teammate and coach Clarisse at the I.H. track. Clarisse assures Ana she'll be better than fine.

Ana tells Clarisse she really couldn't have done it without her. Clarisse insists Ana doesn't have to be nice to her, that she wouldn't, and that Ana should trip her at the next Track Meet. Ana tells Clarisse that she's not like her, and that she forgives her--this time. Clarisse tells her she'd better do well, and should thank her. Ana takes this smugness seriously before Clarisse tells her she was only joking. Ana pretends like she knew it all along. The two of them head over to Central Park.

Once Ana and Clarisse are at Central Park, the clouds part and it turns out sunny. All of Ana's Generation Girl friends are there to cheer her on. Her friends come over to boost her up and encourage her. Ana tells them that she's ready, thanks to her coach. Nichelle still hasn't warmed up to Clarisse, though. Still, they all quickly pose for Barbie's camera as she tries to get pictures for the Generation Beat website. Ana puts her Triathlon shirt on top of Juan's.

At that moment, Blaine shouts that Ana's family wants to get in the picture. Ana is shocked that her family is there. Her father took time off of work, and her mother, who doesn't approve of Ana's non-traditionally feminine involvement in sports, showed up too with her little sister Rosa, all the way from Washington Heights. They all take pictures together. Other participants are taking pictures with their family and friends at this time as well.

Afterwards, the Central Park Triathlon begins. The first event is swimming. Ana feels she does better swimming with her ankle. She swims her hardest, and makes good time. When she emerges, she waves to her sister, realizing she can do this.

However, when she gets on her bike, she starts to get nervous as she is biking next to the adult participants. Though biking isn't her strongest event, Ana normally is confident. Ana still feels pain in her ankle, but she pushes herself through. Her nervousness melts. At first, people are passing Ana up due to her slower pace. Suddenly, she spots a University student with a red-haired ponytail in front of her, and uses the girl as motivation to go faster. She passes the girl with the red hair.

When she hops off of her bike, Blaine pours water on her and asks about her ankle. As Ana stretches, Clarisse shares that Ana is 10th in her age group. She also asks about Ana's ankle. Ana tells them she's fine, even though she feels the pain.

Finally, the last event is running, and the run is long. Ana is a bit intimidated, but she doesn't want to back down now. The gunshot goes off and the race is on. Ana gives it her all, pacing herself. But the others pass her, and Ana hates the sight. Ana reminds herself they will tire eventually and that's when she'll have an opportunity.

Ana eventually picks up the pace, especially when she spots Ms. Ponytail again. Suddenly, she realizes the reason she pushes Ana so much is because she looks like Clarisse. Ana realizes her Clarisse is motivating her even though she isn't there. At first, Ana passes Ms. Ponytail up, but then her ankle pops. Ana fights back tears. At first, Ana is ready to give up.

Barbie has been filming the race, and notices that Ana is in pain and needs encouragement. She rallies Ana's friends and family to get together and encourage her. They all get together and cheer for Ana, with Ana's family screaming "Run Ana" louder than anyone. Suddenly, Ana feels a burst of energy. She runs as hard as she can until she passes the red haired girl and the finish line. Ana raises her hand and screams in triumph. Her friends and family crowd her, congratulating her. Barbie asks how she feels in reporter style, and Ana tells her she feels great.

Clarisse comes back from the officials and announces that Ana came in 9th in her age group. Ana is so happy, and Clarisse is impressed considering the circumstances. Ana is sure she will be first next year. Clarisse tells her she won't because she's joining next year.

Suddenly, Blaine kisses Ana on the cheek, causing her little sister to sing "Blaine and Ana, sitting in a tree". Her friends join her. Ana and Blaine are embarrassed, her father isn't happy, but her mother laughs holding him back.

Blaine comments that Ana has great friends, and she agrees, though she doesn't want to regret killing them from singing the embarrassing song her sister started.

Back at school on Monday, Blaine, Ana, Barbie, Nichelle, Lara, and Clarisse are studying for Mr. Budge's History exam. Nichelle and Clarisse still are distant, but Nichelle admits Clarisse knows her History. Tori races into the computer lab, eager to show them the Generation Beat web page and Ana's article. In the article, Ana shares that she thought being in the Triathlon would be impossible after injuring herself. She pushed herself beyond her limits and beyond. Her friends, family, and teammate and coach Clarisse pushed her beyond that hill. She believes she will never forget that day in her life. She encourages everyone to push themselves to the limit, and that they never know if they don't try. She signs off with her name.

Generation Beat Newsletter

I.H. Student Trains For Triathlon

While most I.H. students are sleeping, eating breakfast, or trying to do the homework they should have done the night before, one student is hard at work, training for an athletic competition that would make Lisa Leslie weak in the knees.

Sophomore Ana Suarez is training for the upcoming triathlon in Central Park. Many people can run 6 kilometers, or swim 1.5 kilometers, or cycle 40 kilometers, but how many people can run, swim, and bike those distances on one day? Ms. Suarez can, and she says it is because of her intensive training. "I've always loved sports, so the long hours of practice are fun hours."

Coach Kirov and Coach Arlen agree that Ana Suarez is a very talented athlete whose dedication and hard work will definitely pay off. Good luck in the triathlon, Ana!

Sports Articles

Although sports articles are not "hard" news, they are a very important part of any school newspaper. First, many people turn directly to the sports section, so you are reaching a very large audience. Second sports are an important part of school life: They serve to bring people together, encourage cooperation, and raise school spirit. For all of these reasons, the sports section is key to any school newspaper.

Keep the following thoughts in mind when you are preparing to write a sports article:

As with any other reporting, the key to writing a good sports article is preparation. You may be the best writer in your school, but if you don't know an end zone from a forward pass, your article about the football game won't make any sense. Speak to someone who is knowledgeable about the sport before you attend the event, read sports articles in other newspapers, and watch the sports on news shows to learn about the event you will be attending.

If you are writing about a game or an event, try to speak to several of the athletes. Most sports stories include quotes from players. This gives the article a more interesting tone.

Sports have seasons, a period of time during which games are played. As the end of the season approaches, only those teams that have won most of their games will continue to play. These end-of-season games can be very exciting, especially if your team is playing!

When you are covering a sporting event, take notes on which players performed well, which players did not, and also note the score at various points of the game. Sporting events can often be quite dramatic, with one team coming from behind in the last moments of the game to win. Try to pass this excitement on to your readers by keeping them in suspense as they read the article.

Pushing the Limits

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