We’re finishing off the season with a new runner, Layla, and an experienced veteran, Ben. Hope you enjoy these and have enjoyed the whole season.

Hi, I’m Layla, a Junior at TG, and this is my first year in cross country. Since I’m new to cross country, my reflection should be about how it is to start cross country for the first time. I’ve really enjoyed meeting new people and getting better at running. The coaches are all fun too. Many people, including myself, may seem intimidated by cross country. But what I’ve learned from joining, is that you’ll never regret trying something new. I feel like I’ve gotten mentally stronger and improved physically. At first, things were a little difficult, just because my body wasn’t used to all of the running, but after a while things got easier. That does not mean the 6-mile run last Saturday was easy. But I feel like learning how to get through hard things mentally and physically will help everyone who does cross country in the long run. In the woods in races, it’s so easy to just walk, because nobody is in there making sure you’re going at the right pace or anything, but you have to have it in you to keep going, even when it’s hard. My favorite part of the whole sport is the end of each race. I love sprinting and racing people to the finish line. It makes you feel so good to beat someone at the very end when you thought you had nothing left in you. Although this sport can be difficult at times, I feel like joining cross country was for the better, and I’m so glad I joined.
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Hello there fellow teammates, my name is Ben Effiom and I am a senior at Totino Grace high-school. This is my sixth year running in total and I’m glad after this year I get to sit back and relax. My favorite things about this sport is hawking down kids the last 200 – 300 meters, everyone is there for one another like one big family, the bus rides back with all of us singing and getting along, but most important of all the memories that wont ever be forgotten. Running has taught me a lot over the years. Progress is slow and steady. There are no shortcuts. Each run, no matter how fast or slow, builds on the last. I’ve had my moments when doubt creeps in, fatigues and even some ankle issues. It’s about pushing past your limits and finding out what your truly capable of. With each run, I’m reminded that no matter the obstacles, the finish line is always within reach.