By: Grace Fitzgibbon
For several Southeast cross country runners, October 21 was the finale of a season full of dedication and perseverance. The entire boys varsity team and three girls competed at state, with the boys team ranking fourth place and individuals proud of the work they have accomplished this season.
“It’s not something everyone gets to do and knowing how much hard work I’ve put in throughout the season really pays off when state come around,” said Laura Ebers, a senior runner who competed at state. “It’s the final culmination of everything I’ve put in the last three years.”
Freshman Chloe Heller also knows how rewarding and nerve wracking going to state is after a long climb to get there. She placed 11th.
“It was really exciting,” said Heller. “I was pretty nervous, but I’m excited that I got to go. Not everyone can make it, so it was really special to be able to be there, and I was thankful for that.”
Ebers says that cross country is a unique sport where no one has to ride the bench, but runners will only get out what they put in.
“I like to run because it takes more than just physical strength,” said Ebers. “It is such a mental sport and you’re constantly trying to see how far you can push your body. Finding a physical limit is a very hard and painful thing to do but it’s really cool when you experience it. I also love the feeling of being in shape and being in tune with my body.”
Heller would agree that running pushes her mental strength to reach new limits.
“It gives you a lot of mental toughness to get through things, because it’s not very easy to run,” said Heller.
One of the reasons cross country is a sport that people get so excited to participate in is the team aspect.
“Physical pain from running is a really good bonding tool when everyone is feeling it,” said Ebers. “That’s why you get so close with your teammates, because you all hurt but you’re doing it together and for each other.”
Cross country may be physically and mentally difficult, but Ebers believes anyone is capable of improving their running. All you need is a t-shirt, shorts, and a pair of running shoes to get started.
“It’s grueling work if you’re really trying,” said Ebers. “A lot of people don’t understand and they joke about how they ‘could never be a runner’ but I believe anyone can do it.”