To millions of high school and college students, mid to late August is just the beginning of a new school year. However, to a very special million it's the beginning of another cross country season.
The nation's best runners are about to make a charge at greatness, whether it be a collegiate title or state championship; others are lacing up their shoes for the very first time.
From the novice to the running elite, here are some lessons every runner learns.
1. You're going to get injured.
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It's only a matter of time. In fact, it's essential to accept injuries as part of the sport. After months of pounding feet onto pavement and trails, your bones and muscles are eventually going to raise some red flags. It's your job to recognize when it's time to take a break or seek medical advice. It isn't uncommon for runners to think they can run through pain until it goes away, eventually causing them to miss months of training rather than mere weeks. Learn your body; listen to what it says.
2. Motivation is internal.
Although we often have parents or coaches to push our limits for us, don't expect them to always be prodding you each and every step. Parents can't follow you to college, and the decision to run day after day will be yours alone. Great runners of all skill don't lose sight of their goals; they're driven by them. Their goals and ambition are a flame deep within that never extinguishes. Tend to the flames and you'll take yourself further faster and have more fun on the way.
3. Excuses are a road to nowhere.
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Shit happens. You slept in and missed practice, or maybe you had a long day at work. You studied your brains out for a calculus exam this afternoon, and you'd rather decompress than go run. Maybe the girl or guy you got the hots for finally asked you on a date, but you told your teammates you'd do a workout with them that day. Nonetheless, the road of excuses goes nowhere. (Unless you run down it of course!)
To balance your social life and training involves planning ahead and making tough choices. Sometimes, you'll have to say "maybe another time" to your friends going out on the town. If you're not a morning person, finding that balance might mean getting up before dawn to hit the trails.
4. Your team is a family [of weirdos].
They may be weirdos, but they're your weirdos. A cross country team is an odd assembly of scrawny but incredibly head strong individuals. You run in packs through city streets, braving the honks and derogatory comments about short length. Together, runners push each other through tough tempo workouts and demanding hill repeats. From the fastest to slowest runner on a team, everyone races their hardest for each other. A cross country team is one of respect and trust.
5. Achieving goals feels damn good.
Matt Schrupp | Schrupp Photography
There's no better feeling than watching the clock tick as you cross the finish, knowing you've just ran a personal best. Reaching a goal is a celebration of hard work, months of miles and devout dedication to being the best runner you can be. Success means different things to different people. Some toe the line with intentions to win every time. Some of us want to run better than the week before, and for many more simply finishing is an incredible feat.
6. Falling short of goals isn't failure.
It's a chance for deep reflection. What did you do wrong? Did you race and train to the best of your abilities? Most importantly, do you still have that internal motivation we talked about before? If it's still lit, keep running; the view at the top of the mountain will be worth it.
7. Running is a privilege.
As runners, we get upset when our sport is reduced to "running in circles", but really think about it; they're kind of right. In a bigger picture, runners are extremely fortunate to invest so much time and energy into something so conceptually simple. To make running a lifestyle and priority is truly a privilege.
8. Facial hair improves race times.
Matt Schrupp | Schrupp Photography
There hasn't been any studies to prove it, but you'd be hard pressed to find a runner who got slower after growing a magnificent beard or dirty mustache.
To both the runner about to race their first race and the seasoned veteran with miles upon miles of experience, get out there and prove your worth this fall. Don't be afraid to fail, and if you can't grow a thick beard, buy some Rogaine.
