Journal+9-+sneeze+2

My breath comes out ragged as I struggle for air, I feel the intense burning of m legs, and my mind? I'm going crazy with questions like how much longer? Is it humanly possible to keep running? Do I have enough will to finish? What sport could possibly test your mental and endurance ability to the limits? Cross Country of course! At first, when I had the opportunity to join a sport in 7th grade, I actually pondered field hockey. I know, right? But after talking to my parents about it, I decided to try cross country. I started going to cross country summer workouts, and met one of the most inspirational people of my life, Coach Rossi. Everyone loved her, you couldn't find person in the whole school that would talk bad about her! She was everything a coach should be, optimistic (sometimes too much), supportive, and a fellow runner (she knew what we were all going through). Shes the reason the XC team is over 90 strong. After summer workouts, I continued to run into the season. I'd like to say it was a breeze, but it wasn't. XC is one of those sports that you can always improve on, and always get better. Your expected not only to consistently run similar times, but improve your time. Additionally, it not only requires a tremendous amount of physical stamina, but mental stamina too. You can't rely on your team to help you run your race, and just because they do good, doesn't mean you will. What you put into it, is what you get out of it. If you choose to slack off at practice, you won't do good in meets. Your mindset plays a big part too, being a negative person will affect your race, just like positive thoughts will too. Put, one thing I've always come to love, is the popsicle waiting for me at the finish line. (: Now that I look back on it, I can't even believe I thought of joining another sport. You come to know your teammates as a family, and there is rarely any feuds. XC is a lot more than running, it's pasta parties, popsicles, rail trail runs, stretching, and friends!!