It’s 4 a.m., again. I’m not even awake, but I’m putting on my jersey and somehow manage to tie my shoes. The streets couldn’t be more empty on the dark and somber bus ride to my cross country meet. So it’s no surprise that even the most dedicated runners lack enthusiasm. When we arrive, we warmup, get on the line, and wait for the gun. 

There I sit– in silence, wondering why I do this to myself.

The early mornings… the mindless seven-mile runs… why?

Cross country demands so much effort, and I can’t even count how many shoes I’ve run through. But going into my fourth year on the team, as captain, it finally made sense. 

While I’m not the fastest runner, I’ve grown to appreciate my role as a motivator, shaping me as a teammate and leader. Although it may seem like cross country is an individual sport, I’ve come to understand it’s all about teamwork. When I wake up at 4 am, I’m not thinking about what time I’m going to run, I’m thinking about my teammates— How can I help my team compete? 

Everyday I walk into practice with a positive attitude, because I want to set an example. In past years I felt like upperclassmen ignored younger runners so, by doing small things like driving my teammates to and from practice and encouraging them during difficult workouts, I can show them I value their success and bring everyone on the team together. My teammates chose me as their leader, and I find value in my role on the team because I see it as an opportunity to help the people I’ve formed deep bonds with. So when we go to the line, and my teammates look to me for inspiration, I always remind them, “This is a sport where you get what you give, so when you are two miles in and hurting, remember the guy in front of you is hurting just as badly, so don’t quit on yourself. We’re a unit, and we compete together.”