Looking back at high school, running cross country was by far one of the best decisions I had ever made. Not only was I pushed to my physical limits, but I made lifelong friends who turned into family. You know, they say that it takes a crazy person to want to run and I don't disagree with that, but trust me, that's not the only thing we know to be true.
1. Hearing the phrase, "Wait, you run for fun?"
Well it's not for the short shorts, I can tell you that.
2. There is no such thing as an attractive running picture.
3. Team dinners mainly consist of pasta, bread and more pasta.
Carbs are a runners best friend.
4. Crocs are a must have.
Extra cool points if you have jibbitz.
5. Cross country camp is the best and worst week of summer.
Two-a-days and showering in the lake? Worth it.
6. People's bewildered looks are priceless when you tell them you do speed, LSD and get high after running.
Hello, speed workout, LSD= long slow distance and have you ever heard of a runners high? Get your head out of the gutters people!
7. P.Ring is the best feeling in the world.
Hard work really does pay off.
8. You spend more time picking out your spikes than your homecoming dress.
9. Repeats are the worst.
Don't even get me started on hill repeats.
10. You've lost count of how many times people yell "Run, Forrest run!" at you while you're running.
11. Epson salt baths are heavenly.
12. Even after a weekend invite or team trip, you still want to hangout with your teammates.
Separation anxiety is very real.
13. Trying to explain to your parents and grandparents you don't want your picture taken right after you finish a race but they try anyways.
14. Saturday runs usually end with a team breakfast.
Give me all of your hash browns please.
15. You pee more in a random field or forest than an actual bathroom.
16. Your teammates become your sister and your coaches become a third parent.
17. Injuries are inevitable.
18. You create inseparable bonds that last beyond your high school years.
19. Once an XC runner, always an XC runner.
