The starting line at a cross country race is always nerve wracking. Runners lined up in a random field, hearts racing, filled with stress, anxiety, and excitement all at once. 

Dozens of runners ready, waiting for the loud gunshot on the start line. Once the gun goes off they surge forward onto 3 miles of trails. The courses are never easy and there are many hills, rocks, and roots ahead, but each runner perseveres. 

Some days are better than others. One day it can be very hot, sweat dripping down your face, and you can barely make it across the finish line. While other days you can run and easily achieve a personal record. Running is similar to a cross country course, with ups and downs each day similar to the hills on the course. 

While you’re running, numerous thoughts are racing through your head, so having a positive mindset is key to success in your running career. Whether you want to stop or continue pushing yourself, staying positive leads to that success. Having a negative mindset creates a cycle of self-doubt and anxiety directly harming your physical performance.

People think running is just running, but it’s much more than that. Running can have a big impact on you physically and mentally. Physically, running makes your body stronger and healthier. It can improve your heart rate, and help to build muscle. Mentally, running is just as powerful. It reduces stress, boosts your mood, and helps you stay focused. 

Although there are more ups in running, there are also downs. When you run you have to be careful. You have to take the time to stretch, ice, and even take days off.

Whether you’re increasing your distance, wearing the wrong running shoes, running too fast of a pace, or even falling down, there is always a potential for an injury in running. 

Griffin McFadden agreed saying, “I myself have been injured by wearing the wrong running shoes. I accidentally wore basketball shoes thinking that they were good for running. This got my foot messed up because I didn’t have the right support.”

Everyone has a different perspective on running. Some may say it is fun, while others may say they just run to stay in shape. 

Running cross country isn’t a sport you do by yourself. In order to win, you and your team have to work together and push each other.

The sport builds camaraderie and spirit. The team atmosphere builds school patriotism among team members. Whether we’re cheering chants as a team, supporting each other on our runs, or even getting pumped up at our pasta parties. This bond throughout us fellow runners is the best part about the team. Having this supporting team is what shapes you as a runner. 

Evelyn Healey agreed with this, saying, “This has been the best year out of all my cross country seasons. I feel like I have become closer with everyone on the team, which makes it more enjoyable, and more supportive.” 

The finish line of a cross country course is the hardest part of the race. Your feet feel tired and your mind is telling you to stop. But you know you can’t and you have to keep pushing. While the ultimate goal of any race is to get to the finish line with the best time, it is all of the preparation leading up to it that brings satisfaction. True satisfaction and great reward does not come without perseverance and hard work. It takes grit to succeed and grit to cross the finish line.