As the season winds down, girls cross country hopes to finish on a high note. 

Their first meet was held on August 22nd at Yorkville High School. It has been a great season for the team, as they have achieved a number of personal milestones and personal bests. 

Coach Cari Mills said,  “Cross country is a way of life, it’s all about the mindset, and motivating my team to do their very best.” 

For those who enjoy challenging themselves, cross country offers a friendly and welcoming environment for long distance runners.

It’s not a sport for everyone. For those who are more used to team involved sports, the sport focuses mainly on individual scores when competing.

“Don’t think, just do,” Mills said, “because when we get anxious and overthink, we get stuck in our heads.”

Besides after-school practice, the team prepares to take on any challenges they may face in competition.

“The practice is the hardest part,” Mills said, “everyone thinks the race is, but [now] you just have to put everything you’ve learned in practice into action.”

For many, running in competition for the first time can be a daunting experience, but they just have to trust the process and believe in themselves.

When competing, senior Lily Anderson says her wise words that help her get through a race are, “The faster I run, the faster I finish.”

A runner’s commitment to their goals requires extreme focus in cross country.

Freshman Amber Bills mentioned the importance of mental preparation as well.

“I’ve been working hard to break PR’s, and the support I get from my friends helps me get ready to overcome my biggest challenges,” she said.

On any pre-race nerves, Bills said, “All the anxiety and stress I feel before the meet, I take it out during the race.”

“Running is therapeutic,” Anderson said.

There is a widespread misconception about cross country running.

Mills said, “Everyone thinks all we talk about is running, but there’s more to it. We get outside and get some sunshine.

Mills loves coaching and is so proud she can share the love of the sport with kids who share the same passion.

“We’re just a group of people who just happen to think running is fun.” Mills said. “As a coach, I try my very best to support my girls between training sessions and workouts. I am very passionate about it, and I hope my girls feed off it as well,” Mills said.

Even though the girls hope to make it to state, which is always the dream, they are very proud of how far they’ve come.  As the season comes to an end, the seniors are grateful for the experience.

“If I could turn back the clock, I would, but my message for future runners is to train hard, race fast, and have fun. It will go by quickly, and you’ll miss it. Trust me,” Anderson said.