“If you want to run fast, you gotta run fast.” – Mr. Eggers 

This quote said by my eighth-grade PE teacher has followed me throughout my entire high school cross country career. And with the help of my fellow cross country teammates, I finally understand what it takes to accomplish that. 

I remember that during my freshman year, I was scared to join cross country because I wasn’t very fast. I decided to join the team anyway, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The welcoming community and incredible team spirit made me fall in love with the one thing I had always hated doing: running. 

I love how every time I run, the team is always cheering for me. Their enthusiasm and encouragement make me want to try my best, and in the end, push me to run faster. Their voices are a reminder that I can achieve anything I want to. And when I feel like giving up, they keep me going. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be as a runner, and the goal in Mr. Egger’s quote would be very hard to achieve. 

I am very thankful for the loving team atmosphere that cross country provides. No matter who you are or how fast you are, there will always be people cheering for you.