I run for the cross country team at school, which is viewed as the runt of all fall sports. It’s where people go when they get cut from teams that require tryouts, such as soccer and volleyball. But I think that mindset is completely bogus, because cross country in my opinion is actually a demanding and a competitive sport. Call me crazy, but I actually enjoy the challenge running six miles a day, and I relish in the runner’s euphoria that comes afterwards. And cross country-meets are filled with high energy and nerves, too. Here are some thoughts that cross my mind before, during, and after those tense yet thrilling twenty or so minutes of a race.

BEFORE

I don’t think I ate enough or drank enough water.

(Eats one cracker and drinks one sip of water)

Now I ate and drank too much! I’m going to throw up during the race!

Why do I have to go to the bathroom every five minutes?

My legs are still so sore from the workout from three days ago! I’M GOING TO DIE!

Oh my goodness, those people running the race look like they’re dying. Well, that’s going to be me in a little while.

Why did I choose to do this sport again?

ON THE LINE RIGHT BEFORE THE RACE

Look at these girls next to me. They look like pros and I’m just a scrawny little Asian who claims she likes running.

Is it too late to bail out of this race? Maybe I can say I’m sick or something.

Why is the official giving such a long speech?? Just shoot the gun already!

Oh, now he’s raising the gun. Anytime now!

Okay, he’s raised the gun, and now he’s taking forever to just pull the darn trigger…

START OF THE RACE

AYEEEE I’m going to trip and fall and die in the middle of this mob!

These people are slowing me down, I need to get a lead…but what if I start out too fast and die out later?

I feel like I’m going to explode from this adrenaline overload.

I think I’m feeling pretty good so far, there’s nothing to worry about!

MIDWAY INTO THE RACE

Oh my goodness, is that a HILL I see? Well, if you have to go up, you have to go down!

(Going up the hill)

I FEEL THE BURN. Come on, legs, move faster!

My vision is getting blurry. Is this what it feels like to die?

Yes, finally, downhill! Let the gravity take you faster… wait, too much momentum, too fast!

My eyes are jiggling in their sockets.

Finally, level ground. DON’T TRIP OVER THAT TREE ROOT or else it will be the end of you.

Dear spectators, STOP TELLING ME TO GO FASTER! Trust me, if I could I would. You do NOT know how I am feeling right now.

I’m hungry.

There’s a person right in front of you! She looks more dead than you do! Pass her!

Yay I passed her!

FINISHING THE RACE

I hear cheering nearby. I must be close to the finish!

(Five minutes later)

Or maybe not. Those are probably the really really fast girls finishing.

MY LUNGS ARE GOING TO EXPLODE!

Come on, Katie, just a little longer! YOU GOT THIS!

Since when did I become so motivational to myself?

WHY did they put a hill so close to the finish? They must like to torture cross country-ers.

I SEE THE FINISH! Pick up the pace, Katie, pick up the pace!

I can hear a girl breathing behind me. DON’T LET HER PASS YOU!

My legs feel like windmills. I think that’s a good thing.

PICK IT UP! YOU’RE RIGHT AT THE FINISH!

FINISHED!

AFTER THE RACE

I actually cannot stop. My legs will not stop. This is bad!

Is everything supposed to be tinted red, or is that just me?

Okay, I stopped. I feel gross. Where is the bathroom? Where is the food?

Hey, that race wasn’t actually that bad! I did really great!

I’d race again anytime!