“What keeps you coming back each year to coach?”
“One thing is when they get fired up about something they thought they didn’t want to do. Like today, when they all finished the repeat miles—that was awesome. … It’s fun to watch the love develop.”
I asked this group to tell me what they love about cross-country. Several answers follow…
“With camp week, we all get closer together.”
“We laugh about everything.”
“Even if you fall, you laugh about it.”
“People encourage you constantly.”
“No cuts.”
“Coaches still encourage you, no matter if you’re running 22 minutes or 28 minutes.”
“Lots of memories, and it’s fun.”
“Keep your eyes on the prize, your eyes toward the finish. It’s like life, keeping your eyes on the ultimate prize.”
“My dad ran a marathon for every kid, and one for my mom. I’m the youngest of nine. So 10 people, 10 marathons.”
When I asked her who her biggest running inspiration is, she pointed at one of her teammates and said, “She is! She pushes me.”
“What’s the best piece of running advice you’ve ever received?”
“Never slow down when you’re getting near the finish line.”
“Are you confident in your kick now?”
“Very much so. That’s what I rely on.”
Hooray Run 