Cross country is one of the most, if not the most, taxing sports, both physically and mentally. All of the workouts, long runs, and races leave you drained by the end of the season. My non-running friends ask me why I continue to put myself through the grind when I come into school complaining about my sore calves or tight hip flexors.
This summer at camp, I was asked a question that has stuck with me through the whole season.
Why do you run?
There are always a million reasons to not stretch, do core and abs, spend time with your teammates, or run. If you find one big reason to oppose all of the other little ones, however, it will take you farther than you can imagine. My reason is this team.
It is not just about going to the Meet of Champions, winning invitationals, or climbing the state rankings. It’s also about going to the diner after Randolph. It’s about painting the cannons in the cold. It’s about camp memories, extra core and abs after practice, or singing and dancing around in the weight room. It’s about the millions of laughs, smiles, and tears exchanged through the season, whatever their causes may be.
These are only a few of the things that makes this team what it is. These collectively make up the big reason why I run. I run not just for myself and individual gain, but so I can experience the moments that have shaped my four-year cross country career. We continually have a bond that leads to amazing accomplishments, no matter how the dynamic may or may not change. We understand that there is a legacy to be carried out year after year, even as runners come and go.
Love your teammates. Respect our history. Continue the legacy. Lastly, I hope that when the time comes for when someone asks you why you run, you are able to say that you run for this team.
Thank you all for giving me the best four years of my life.
