Cross country probably holds most of my bittersweet memories. I mean, why would any sane person pick a sport where the sole purpose is to run 3.1 miles, in all types of terrain and weather? Cross country probably pushed me to my breaking point more than any other sport. You loved to hate it, and here is how you know you're an alum.
1. You still use the slang.
LSD isn’t a drug to you, but instead it means, “Long, Slow, Distance.” You’ve accidentally blurted it out a few times around non-runners, and you're pretty sure they think you dream of Woodstock.
2. You miss it so much.
You aren’t 100 percent sure why, but nothing can beat that race feeling. So naturally, you end up signing up for races even after you've graduated. I ran my first half marathon last September, and it was great to have that race adrenaline pump through my veins again.
3. It's always been there.
When you’re stressed out, your first instinct is to go on a run. Never underestimate the power of running endorphins. Going on a run is your first instinct when life is crazy, and that will never change.
4. Too much stuff.
You have more running clothes and gadgets than anything else. You may not be a runner anymore (but you most likely are), but you have accumulated a lot of running gear over the years. You may have possibly stolen a uniform or two, as well... but we don't talk about that.
5. Your stalking game is still strong.
You know you’ve stalked the top runners in your state on social media, and don't even try to deny it. You probably even know where they go to college. I’m looking at you, Jacob Burcham and Paladino.
6. You will never be in that kind of shape again.
I can’t even comprehend that I use to run a 6-minute mile. I’m lucky to get a 7:45 now. I don't even know how I ran a 5k in 21 minutes. It seems physically and emotionally impossible.
7. Food on food on food.
You totally miss how much food you used to be able to shove down your face. Fast food after meets was the highlight of the day. One time, my team got a free 12-pack of tacos from Taco Bell, and I think 14-year-old me cried.
8. Gym judgers.
I'm sorry, but you are never not going to be the person who slightly judges people at the gym. Whether it's their brand of tennis shoes or how long they stay on the treadmill, you are silently judging. The sport bred you to judge the competition, so naturally you just continue to do so.
9. That point 1.
We will never get over that point 1. You still correct people who think you only ran 3 miles. It’s 3.1 and the point 1 makes all the difference in the world. That small fraction of the race has ruined countless runners, and we refuse to let it go unacknowledged.
10. You miss it and all it did for you.
You are a lot stronger mentally now. Stronger than you ever thought you could be. Cross country taught you more than how to run: It taught you that the mind wants to give up before your body needs to. That lesson has and will follow you throughout the rest of your life.
