"Pain is temporary, Pride is forever." By Jacob MacDonald

Some people may think all Cross Country runners are masochists. After all, who else runs for more than seven miles for absolutely no reason besides conditioning? Who calls that fun? We aren’t getting in shape for a soccer or football game -- we are preparing for even more running.  It’s an endless circle of pain and punishment for more pain and punishment. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, something all runners learn the hard way.

We love it.

Despite the illusion that running is solely a chore and an enormous hassle, Cross Country runners find solace in the calming effect of exploration and physical exertion. Jessie Owens once said, "I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." There is total freedom and serenity while running.

      Think about this: 

     You don’t think about work while running. You think about getting from Point A to Point B. 

     You don’t think about school while running. You think about survival.

     You don’t think about succumbing to pain while running. You dominate the pain.

Cross Country is totally different than any other sport.There are no boring drills and mundane practices: every day is a new day, a new way to test your body and spirit. Many days we are told to explore new paths and trails for an hour and return with a story to tell. Other days we run as a group, exploring and enjoying each other’s company. There is no external stress, no pressure on you to perform better. All that comes from within. You learn to push yourself to your full potential, to believe that you can win if you push more. Running is 90% mental, and the rest is physical.

There is nothing more satisfying then completing a devastating distance run. You can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh reality of your physical and mental limitations or coast quietly down a solitary path, watching the earth spin beneath your feet. But when you are through, exhilarated and exhausted, at least for a moment everything seems right with the world.

     We earn that.

     We earn the feeling of bliss and calm. 

There are other perks to joining the Cross Country team. Sophomore runner Johanna Moody claims the only way she could tolerate the practices was the support and friendship of her teammates. Cross country runners care for each other. In a sport this difficult, camaraderie is crucial.

Join us next fall. Running is a great way to break into the new school year.

*Photo credit to http://www.pressherald.com/sports/on-the-run-to-a-title_2010-10-08.html*