Cross Country. My blood, sweat and (many) tears have gone into this sport. Despite the amount of times I tell myself I want to be a N.A.R.P, I don't really mean it. It's a love hate relationship, but at the end of the day I don't know where I would be without it.

1) Getting a P.R. is one of the best feelings in the entire world.

Just ask any runner. It makes all of the pain you went through worth it.

I don't know about you, but there is just something magical about finally reaching a goal you've been trying so hard to accomplish. It just makes you feel like you can do anything, even if you just improved by a second. Getting aboard the struggle bus was worth it for that second let me tell you.

2) Fall

One of the reasons why I love cross country so much is because of fall. There is just something about running in the woods when the leaves are changing. There is no better start to your day than early morning runs through the fog and the sounds of leaves crunching under your feet.

3) Having some of the best teammates in the entire world.

Without cross country, I wouldn't have met my teammates who feel more like my family. I love you guys, and my life would be so boring without you. Some of you drive me insane but at the end of the day, I would be lost without you guys.

4) Being able to eat whatever you want and not get fat.

Ok. I know that I should eat healthier but when you're hungry ALL THE TIME it's nice to know that you can eat a cookie (or five) without worrying about gaining weight. (Sorry coach, next time I'll eat a salad. I promise.)

5) Having coaches that can make you feel like you can accomplish anything.

Without the coaching staff that I've met through running, I would not be where I am today. I don't know where I would be and I don't even want to think about it. A life without running scares me and I never want to be without it for as long as I live. I'm forever grateful for the coaches who pushed me when I wanted to stop and helped me accomplish goals I never thought were possible.