Cross Country

My name is Julianne Thomas. I am a senior and this is my fourth year running cross country. I’m not going to lie, time has flown by, and cross country has been a roller coaster. I have made so many friends and memories that I don’t know where I’d be without them. It’s crazy to think that this is my last year. I’ll certainly be thrilled when it’s my last hill workout, but I’m going to miss the encouragement and positivity that everyone gives to each other during hills. I think that attitude has been what has kept me going and doing this sport, especially during my sophomore year. I’ll be honest, I really struggled during that season. If you don’t believe me, you can check that year’s race results spreadsheet. At one point, I was fourteen minutes slower than I had been freshman year. I really struggled mentally, and I was having a kind of miserable time. What kept me doing this sport, though, was definitely the people. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging whether it is a hard workout, base run, meet, or anything in between. I especially love the meet vibe when everyone is cheering their teammates on, or when you are struggling, but you can hear the speaker up ahead, and you know that everyone is cheering for you, or when you get to cheer others on, and you see them achieve their goals. The attitude has definitely been what has kept me going, and I can’t wait to see how far everyone goes this season.

I’m Matthew Misko and I am a senior on the cross country team. This is my ninth season of cross country, and my fourth and final season at Totino-Grace. I have a lot to look back on in my nine years of cross country and even my four years at TG. If you had told 4th-grade me that I would be running in high school, I would have said you’re crazy. In fourth grade, I had little passion for running; if I’m being honest, I hated it. The only reason I was on the team then was that my dad was the coach, and I liked to compete. Beyond that, I did not like training, even if it was only one or two miles at a time. I thought the sport was pointless, but in the end, it may have been the best thing to ever happen to me. Throughout grade school, my love for running grew year by year. It was not because I liked running; it was because I was having success. I progressed each year to become one of the top runners in the parochial school’s league by my eighth-grade year. That success convinced me to run in high school, and I had no idea, then, of what I got myself into.

Freshman year was a roller coaster. I had all types of emotions throughout the year. I went from anxiousness at the start since I did not know anyone going in to dejection when I found out I had a stress reaction in my shin and I did not know if I was going to be able to run anymore that season, to happiness when I had the opportunity to be apart of the team that went to state for the first time in a number of years as section runner-ups. Sophomore year was better; I was figuring out how to be a runner. My mileage went up, and my training got a little more intense. That year, I was also blessed with the opportunity to go to the state again, this time, as section champions. Moving on to junior year, everything started to get real. I started to realize I only had two years left, and the meets became more important. I had more success than the year prior, and I was surprising myself with my progress. Junior year, I qualified for state as an individual, something I would have never imagined myself doing. Now, as a senior, everything is coming to a close. I am starting to have all of my “last” events, like my last cross country camp, or my last-first meet. Everything that has happened has made me think about all of the things that I took for granted. Here are three things that I wish I had known and taken to heart as a freshman:

1. Enjoy your runs. Enjoy the time with your friends at practice when you get to run and let go of everything that is causing you stress. You will have some of your favorite memories on those runs, whether it be stick races by Rice Creek or running in the pouring rain. At some point, you won’t get another run with the team, and it will remind you of what you took for granted.

2. Trust the process. Not everything will come easily, whether that be PRs or performance during the workouts. It is hard to be 100% everyday, and sometimes, you only have 80%; but with that 80%, give 100% of that 80%. Everything you do will pay off, and one day you will be glad you worked hard now.

3. Be grateful. Everything is a gift. You do not know what you have until it is taken away. Trust me, I have been injured numerous times, and every time I am injured makes me realize how lucky I am when I am healthy. It also reminds me of how lucky I am to be in a position to be injured because there are people who would love the opportunity to run, but can not.

I am thankful for everyone who has helped me along my running journey–from my teammates to my coaches to the parents and fans who cheer me and my teammates on. I am thankful for my family, who have supported me through all the good times and all the tough times. I am especially grateful for my dad, who was asked to be the cross-country coach at my grade school and dragged me along to practice. Without him, I would not be in the position I am in and would not love running as much as I do. My running journey is not over; it is just the end of one chapter and soon to be the start of a new one.

My name is Frida Morales-Onofre. I am a senior, and this is my fourth year running cross country. As I sit here writing this, I can feel soreness in my legs, feet, and arms. Every time I get up or have to bend down, it turns into a whole ordeal, trying not to demand more from my body than it can give. Yet, I also feel a great sense of accomplishment. I can go about my day knowing that I did a difficult exercise. Whether it be Saturday morning practices, meet days, or even a nice and easy recovery run, I have the peace of mind knowing that I did it. I gave it my all, I showed up, and I did it with my team. That is the reason I keep running.

Even after all of my injuries, 40+ minute 5k’s, and rough days with little to no motivation, my team keeps me going. Sometimes you’re having a bad day, week, or even month, but hearing your teammates cheering you on and knowing that we are all in this together makes it much easier. Fun sock Fridays don’t hurt either.

Now, if you had asked freshman me why I joined Cross-Country, I don’t know that I would’ve had much of a reason. Thinking back to then, I can’t remember why I joined. What I do know is that I wouldn’t have it any other way. I was able to meet some of my closest friends because of this sport. I also enjoy pushing myself in whatever aspect I can. Both of those are still true from the first day of practice four years ago to today. It’s crazy to think that everything is now my last. It doesn’t even feel like it. Time is flying by, and writing this is helping me appreciate that truth. In a few months, my last meets, runs, and fun sock Fridays will be a great memory. I just hope to give it my all until then, remembering, of course, that it’s always a fantastic day to get better.

My only advice to the underclassmen is to remember what motivates you. Always have something in mind. If you can’t find a reason, default to your team. Give it your all and have fun! Wear those fun socks, bring those popsicles, play tag, or have that race with your teammate, keep the fun alive, and live lively. 

My name is Nahom, and I’m one of the seniors on the team this year! It’s my third year on the team, and cross-country has been an interesting journey for me, with high highs and low lows. If you told freshman Nahom that I would eventually attend cross-country practices after school from 3:00 to 5:00 pm to run 5Ks, I would think you were high-key crazy. However, with lots of motivation from my friends and wanting to push myself athletically, I made the crazy choice to join in my sophomore year. To be transparent, it was hard. The base runs, tempos, and long hills were all new to me, and I desperately struggled. If you look back at my times, you’d see some really high numbers. Unlike many other people, at that time, my mindset was purely making it through the finish line rather than PR’ing, which meant lots of walking. At the end of that season, I was happy I pushed through to the end; however, I still knew I could do more regarding my performances in meets.

Then came junior year, where I thought everything would change. I showed up on the first day of August practice and had the goal of getting under 30:00:00 and decreasing my walking. And then, the first meet came. Sadly, my goals were not met. I hadn’t PR’ed, and I thought this would just be sophomore year all over again. Then the next meet came, I PR’ed by about 20 seconds, nothing crazy, still over 30:00:00. Then, this next meet really started to switch my perspective. Somehow, someway, I managed to run a 29:00:00, which honestly shocked me. I reached my goal of under 30:00:00 and PR’ed by about 2 minutes. However, I was still walking during these meets. The next race, I miss the PR, go next. Next meet, PR by 40 seconds. Next meet, 20. Next meet, PR by ONE second. I had now cut off almost 7 minutes from my sophomore year time; however, I was still walking with one meet left. I went into this meet knowing it was my last of the season with two goals, no walking, and a PR. I ended that day achieving both. That feeling of sprinting those last 200 meters and seeing the glaring red time clock was amazing. I ended that season cutting almost eight minutes from my sophomore year. Now, I have the hopes of ending this senior season even stronger.

Personally, I don’t think cross country builds character; however, it brings out what was already there. I know if I can do it, literally almost anyone else can. My advice: always put your best foot forward. Don’t let the fact that you did or didn’t PR decide how the rest of your week plays out. As long as you’re giving as much as you can, be proud of your achievements. Whether that’s finishing or PR’ing, know that you’re doing one of the most challenging sports. At the end of the day, it’s 80% mental. Your mind during these races and practices is gonna either be your biggest obstacle or supporter. Also, make sure to enjoy these practices/meets while you have them, because soon, you will be at your senior banquet! It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in; time really does move that fast. Please try your best to take it all in, because as I am slowly reaching the end of my last season, I know deep down I will miss it.

I’m so thankful for everyone who has made this sport as fun as it is. To my coaches, thank you for always pushing me to be the best version of myself. To all the parents, I appreciate everything you do; I truly don’t know what I’d do without your cheering during races. And to my teammates, thank you for all the laughs/talks during runs; you guys are my motivation to go every day, you guys are so strong, and you all have so many qualities I admire. Continue to be you, and try to make your best memories while you’re still on the TG XC team.

My name is Elsa. I’m a junior and it’s my third year running on the team. The thing I love about cross country is that you compete individually to get the best time you can, but also score as a team. As much as you are hard on yourself, your team is there to support you and remind you how good you are doing. Some people say they could never do cross country and I honestly don’t blame them. But, I have improved myself so much and met the best people. When I started running I was unsure about what it would be like and how difficult it was going to be. It’s not an easy sport. It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance, two things I have improved a lot on since I started. I have pushed myself to get better and had so much help from both the team and coaches along the way. I have found that people in cross country have a special friendship that you find when you push each other both mentally and physically to get better when it’s easier not to try. I have found people who want to get better and want you to get better. I have the best coaches that understand how much we work and push us to get better. The coaches have cheered us on no matter what and strive to see us improve. They understand how hard we are on ourselves and that we are giving our best. I love cross country and all the people who make it more than just a sport.

My name is Jacob Goman. I am a senior this year and this is my fourth year on cross country. My first day of summer running on cross country three years ago was my very first day of my life in high school, an introduction to four years of my life that are one of the most pivotal. Freshman year was a rollercoaster for me. For my fellow seniors who remember their freshman year, they probably couldn’t even recall I was on the team; I was on mute. As for my running performance, I was running as fast as a turtle. Running every day was a struggle for me, including lots of walking and loss of breath. Then came sophomore year. I did not make a huge difference in my running performance, but my social side definitely shined that year and I finally appreciated the community I had on the team. Sophomore year I probably shared the most laughs out of any year and I knew that I belonged on this team. Junior year came and that was when my athletic performance truly peaked. I could actually give a better result on workouts and finish my runs without feeling out of breath or taking breaks. I ended the season with a PR of 20:47.

Now, in senior year, I have been dealt with several misfortunes. My shins have always bothered me, but it has really been amplified this season. As a result, I have had to sit out on most of the meets this season. However, that does not take away from the memories I am forming right now. I never really had a purpose of doing cross country for my running performance, although the fitness and endurance I have learned from this sport will stay with me for my lifetime. My true purpose on being a part of cross country is the team.

Although this may sound like generic advice to every underclassman, I am still going to reiterate it: enjoy your time while it lasts! More advice, do not compare yourself to others! Who cares if someone runs faster than you, all that matters is that you keep achieving a PR for YOU every race. Cross country is truly a mental sport, and do not spend too much time comparing your times to others otherwise you will lose your motivation for joining cross country in the first place! Even if you run slow one race, do not beat yourself down! You have so much more in store for future races and so much potential that you have not discovered yet, so that one race where you completely shatter your PR is on the way! Trust the process.

My name is Mara Thomas and in my second year of cross country. I joined cross country last year because I wanted to do a fall sport and since my sister was already doing cross country, I was like why not? It has been way more of a roller coaster than I thought it would be, but I definitely don’t regret my decision to join. Cross country is hard, both physically and mentally, so doing this sport has improved my perseverance. There are always going to be hard days, tough workouts, or runs after a long day at school. It takes a lot of grit to get through them and to keep showing up day after day.

Through it all, I have learned a couple things to get through these tough days: First of all, relying on teammates is important. Cross country is an individual sport, but having teammates is such a big part of it as well. Seeing them push themselves, having them cheer you on (especially with the speaker), and even just talking with you during base runs makes everything more bearable. Second, a positive attitude can really change everything. No, a positive attitude doesn’t make everything magically fine, but it does make things easier. It’s crazy how changing your attitude just slightly can do that. Finally, I learned the importance of having fun. No, not every run is fun, most workouts certainly aren’t, but enjoying running makes things easier. If coming to practice everyday felt like a chore, I probably wouldn’t be here. Yes, some days I just want to go home after school, but most of the time I am ready and excited for practice. I am ready for the opportunity to run and push myself, and I try to have fun doing it.

If you told middle school Mara that she would ever enjoy running, she probably would have said you were crazy. However, running is actually something I enjoy now and having fun on a run makes the run a little bit easier and makes it hurt just a little bit less. Cross country has been filled with hard days, tough races, and incredible PRs. Throughout it all, I have learned the importance of relying on teammates, having a positive attitude, and, above all, truly enjoying running.

My name is Carter. This is my sixth year running cross country and my third year on the Totino-Grace cross country team. Some things I love about cross country are the pasta feeds and the camp. Every year before school starts we go on a camping trip with the team. We get to go to this camp for a few days, although we have to run, it still is very fun. We do fun games like a competition where your team has to win the challenges to get your name on the walking stick. I also love the pasta feeds because we get to hang out with our team and eat! The biggest thing I love about this team is the support I get from everyone not just coaches and teammates but from parents. 

I am a junior, and this is my third year running cross country. I joined freshman year because I have always enjoyed running, and my older brother really enjoyed cross country. I will start off by saying I had a really bad cross-country season last year. I think at one point I was fourteen minutes slower than my freshman year. I was so afraid of trying and failing that I didn’t try. I had just lost all my motivation to run, but for some reason, I kept showing up to practice and here I am today! Sometimes I wonder why I decided to continue running, and the reason is the team. Everyone is really supportive and encouraging whether it is during a meet, tough practice, or anything in between. There is just something so encouraging during a race when you are starting to question whether you can keep going when you see the team up ahead cheering for you and blasting music. The cross country team is unlike any other group I have been a part of, and everyone inspires me and encourages me to keep trying my best every day.
 

I am a junior. This is my eighth year running cross country, but only my third year at TG. My favorite day of the week is whenever we race. My second favorite day is any day we have practice.

Racing is arguably the best part about cross country. For most people, it is the only reason why they run to begin with. There are so many fun aspects of racing. Sure, racing is hard, however, when you cross that line, there is a feeling of relief and happiness. Then there’s congratulating your teammates and opponents after the race. A high-five or a “nice race” can go a long way, and personally makes my day. After you catch your breath, then you can talk to the athletes you raced against, and it may turn out that you have a lot in common with them. I have met so many different people because of cross country and the first time I talked to them was right after the race.

To be able to race, you need to practice. It allows me to unwind from a long day of school and be with my friends. It gives a sense of accomplishment. For those who don’t enjoy running, I suggest a positive attitude, because running can make your day so much better.

I am a senior and one of the captains of the team. I have been on the TG Cross Country team for four years. I have been running Cross Country and Track since 3rd grade. 
What I like the most about Cross Country is the team and the finisher. It’s more than a team but a family. We don’t just interact with each other at practice but also outside of practice. It makes our sport so much more enjoyable when we know one another and do hard workouts together. We see each other when we are in pain, tired, smelly, and look disgusting. We don’t separate between Junior Varsity, Varsity, boys, and girls because we all care, help, and interact with each other. We don’t care about any of that as long as we are encouraging one another and having fun. That’s what makes our team more like a family.

I would also have to say my favorite workout that we do is the finisher. It’s a sprint we do after a workout where we pass the person in front, but don’t let the person behind you beat you. It’s like the end of the race where you give all that you have left to pass the next person. I enjoy the sprint at the end and always have too much energy. The finisher gives me a chance to use all my energy and race against my teammates.

I am a junior, and this is my third year of running Cross Country at TG.

I started running as a sport during 8th grade when I was introduced to Girls on the Run. Later when I came to TG, I realized I didn’t have a fall sport and that Cross Country was the most similar to Girls on the Run. I met some of my closest friends during my first year of Cross Country and quickly realized that I loved the sport because of the support I got from the team. This ranges from small congratulations and cheers to loud singing with the speaker during meets. When I hear the music blasting from far away during my race it really motivates me to keep going.

 “Why? Why do you keep running?” is something I think everyone in this sport has been asked at least once. Why keep running? For me it’s because if I leave I won’t be able to encourage my team and watch them get faster. Even more importantly I believe in pushing myself so even if I did feel like quitting, giving up isn’t an option for me. Remember, “I feel fast”, and it’s always a fantastic day to get better.

I am a senior running in my fourth year of cross country. I have learned and grown so much through this sport over the years and I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates. Coming into freshman year I didn’t have a fall sport so I chose Cross Country. Everyone on the team is a family and there is never a dull moment. Every once in a blue moon, we get the chance to play ultimate frisbee and I love being competitive so losing is never an option.

My favorite thing about the sport is the bus rides coming back from meets, normally music and people singing along which is always a fun environment to be a part of. Passing people in the last 100m is always a great feeling. Overall, cross country has taught me to be extremely strong mentally, so my advice to all the youngsters out there is not to be afraid.

I’m a sophomore and this is my second year running. My favorite thing about running, other than running itself, is the team. To run you have to enjoy running but the team is a huge part of the sport. Cross country is a sport unlike others. You don’t have to rely on your teammates to receive the pass or to make the shot, but doesn’t make it less of a team sport. In this sport, its bringing a positive attitude and support that makes the team. I can remember a race in my freshman year. There was a path through the woods where people would stand on both sides forming a ‘tunnel’. I had an injury that meet and was struggling to keep going. But, when I got to the tunnel my team was screaming and the music was blasting. That was the only reason I was able to finish that race. That also shows how important it is to have a positive attitude.

Another part of my journey through running in cross country is the coaches. The coaches have pushed us to be the best runners we can be while still making the sport fun and that takes a lot. Without Zeller I wouldn’t be where I am. I dropped over 5 minutes from my freshman year times and I’m continuing to get better, not just me, the whole team is because of the work Zeller has put into this team. If I where to give advice to a beginner runner in cross country, I would tell them to find good teammates to support you, good coaches to push you and most importantly a good attitude with a drive to get better.

I am a junior and this is my third year running cross country.

When I look back on the runner I was the very first day of my freshman year two years ago, I would not even recognize myself. I joined cross country as a welcome and an introduction to high school. I did not think I would commit long-term and was shocked by the miles we had to run. I looked up to the seniors when I was a freshman and wondered if I could ever endure that many miles they had to run. I would not realize the friends I would make along the way and the memories that would be found.

During my first year, I couldn’t even complete a run without walking. I tried and I tried, but I felt as though I was not seeing improvement. I wondered if I was made for cross country. I discerned whether I should join it again sophomore year or not, and I took a risk and did it again. I saw significant results in improvement from my sophomore and now junior years.

What played into my improvement was sportsmanship. Whenever I felt down, someone would always lift me up. Whenever I struggle, someone always reminds me that I am struggling with them and we can do it. I can’t even count how many times I’ve cried out to Julianne out of exhaustion but she makes me keep going.

I will have core memories that will always be part of me for years to come. All of the laughs that I’ve shared with my teammates are keepsakes that I will never forget. As another season comes and goes, I really do believe that Totino-Grace Cross Country is my home.

I’m a junior and this is my first year in cross country. I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people and getting better at running. The coaches are all fun too. Many people, including myself, may seem intimidated by cross country. What I’ve learned from joining, is that you’ll never regret trying something new. I feel like I’ve gotten mentally stronger and improved physically. At first, things were a little difficult, just because my body wasn’t used to all of the running, but after a while things got easier. That does not mean the last 6-mile run was easy, but I feel like learning how to get through hard things mentally and physically will help everyone who does cross country in the long run. My favorite part of the whole sport is the end of each race. I love sprinting and racing people to the finish line. It makes you feel so good to beat someone at the very end when you thought you had nothing left in you. Although this sport can be difficult at times, I feel like joining cross country was for the better, and I’m so glad I joined.

I am a senior at Totino Grace. This is my sixth year running in total and I’m glad after this year I get to sit back and relax. My favorite things about this sport is everyone is there for one another like one big family, the bus rides back with all of us singing and getting along, but most important of all the memories that won't ever be forgotten. Running has taught me a lot over the years. Progress is slow and steady. There are no shortcuts. Each run, no matter how fast or slow, builds on the last. I’ve had my moments when doubt creeps in. It’s about pushing past your limits and finding out what your truly capable of. With each run, I’m reminded that no matter the obstacles, the finish line is always within reach.