During the cross country season, which spans from summer to winter, runners from various schools across the region discover that the sport is about much more than personal achievement. Runners say it’s also about the bonds they create and the unwavering support they provide to one another. Cross country athletes understand that crossing the finish line is a shared victory.

“Team bonding is important because you make friends along the way,” said Aiden Coverrt, captain of the Cosumnes Oaks Cross Country team.

 “When you’re racing, you know they have your support and are rooting for you. It just encourages you to run faster, not just for yourself, but for them.”

Distance running presents significant emotional and psychological challenges, often testing athletes’ mental toughness. Coverrt has developed a personal “24-hour rule” for coping with disappointing races.

“I tell people to think about the race for only 24 hours, then forget about it and act like nothing happened,” he said.

Kingston Champion, a varsity runner, echoed the importance of strategy and support within the team.

“We focus a lot of our strategy on how to run well as a team,” Champion shared. “We help each other push through barriers. When one of us has a bad day, we encourage each other to have a short memory and keep moving forward.”

Champion believes that constructive criticism is key to the team’s growth.

“Once you know each other better, you can give better feedback because you feel more comfortable around them,” he noted.

Newcomer Lilia Yeh highlighted some of her initial challenges as a runner.

“I had a hard time keeping up with the other people,” she admitted. “I was also really horrible at planning my time properly with all the new practices and meets.”

Yeh also addressed the impact of heat on the sport, noting, “Running in heat is harsh on our bodies, but I still believe some heat training is good for preparation.”

Despite the challenges, she emphasized the community aspect of cross country as a source of joy.

“I love talking to everyone during practice and just knowing that I have people who support and believe in me,” she said. “It’s always so much fun with them!”

Yeh reflected on the diversity within the sport, countering the stereotype that all cross country runners are the same. “I’ve seen so many different people with various interests. It’s wonderful to try different things with cross country people during school.”

Originally drawn to the sport for health benefits and college preparation, Yeh has found a deeper passion. “I’ve stayed in it because it’s actually fun. I’m kind of addicted to the feeling of passing others during races and just the infectious euphoria I feel.”

As the season progresses, the friendships formed through shared struggles become invaluable.

“Just do it,” Coverrt advised those considering joining the sport. “The friends you make and the changes you undergo as a person are well worth it.”