So much more.

Passion. It's what makes life worthwhile. I'd have to say my passion came early in life. Fourth grade or so, running became my anti-drug. I run in all sorts of situations. I run for happiness, I run when I'm on the edge. I run in joy and I run because I know I have to.
The majority of us people take running seriously for granted. I truly believe that every single person was born for a reason, with some sort of purpose. I was born to run.

Cross country. The first thing you probably think of, when you hear "cross country" mentioned, is undoubtedly, running. But that's just the surface thought that comes to most. If you're a runner, you know how much more there really is.

It's not just running. It's mental strength, self-promise. It's praying to god. It's hanging on when you really don't think you can go one more step. It's love and it's hate. It's family, a team. It's devotion. It's unbelievable, indescribable, and addicting.

This season hasn't gone like I'd planned. Not at all. I've struggled with a stress fracture in my cuboid, and as the season is almost over, I've just begun. I struggle, I breakdown. I feel like I can't go, but I know I have to and I know I will.

Without my team, my number one support system, I would not have any faith in myself. Maybe a little, but not enough.
I might not always show it, but I'm so thankful for my teammates. Their encouragement and love is insurmountable, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Between the love of my team and the passion of running, I feel really lucky. Lucky to run, lucky to have people pick me up on days like today.

Cross country isn't always about running. It's not even always about winning, or having an amazing season. It's about so much more.