the last cross country season

The season went on the same as it has every year. Long lonely summer miles are met by familiar faces in August (The difference of running 2 hours alone versus with someone is amazing). An early-season race to get our racing legs back under us. A chance to preview the national championship course. Followed by an excessively large home meet. Then it’s go time, Conference, Regionals and Nationals. This was the same routine we’ve followed every year, yet this time it was different. This time was the last time I would have the privilege to follow this routine.

Well, this season wasn’t any different than previous ones. I tried to embrace and value the small things that come along with the cross country season. This starts with, moments of comradery with my teammates while grinding through tough workouts like 25x400m or 18-mile-long runs. The raucous environment of cross country races. Racing truly for your team and not yourself. The pre-meet meals and all the antics that came with traveling for meets. Often moments before a race, you can find me standing in the midst of runners getting in their final strides, just standing there, taking it all in. These are all moments I cherish greatly and will miss most of cross country.

Well, my high school and collegiate cross-country days are over. My running days are far from over. As I complete my final collegiate track season in 2020 and transition to post collegiate racing, I will not be able to stay away from racing cross country. Expect to find me racing cross country at every chance I get. 2021 USA Cross Country Championships here I come.