The MSMS Cross Country team raced to beat team and personal goals at their state meet. The team has been vigorously practicing over the past few weeks in preparation for the event. Regardless of the athletes’ history on the track, everyone on the team felt excited for their 5-kilometer run.

When it comes to the runners’ personal goals, they are always careful to exemplify their strengths and overcome their weaknesses when it comes to the long track ahead of them.

“Some of my strengths are that I have been running for a long time and that I am mentally strong. My weaknesses are that my legs aren’t as strong as they used to be,” said MSMS senior and cross country team co-captain, David Thaggard, about the state of his personal skills.

While previous experiences on the track may offer benefits to seasoned runners, the weather can be a formidable opponent to athletes in any sport.

“The weather did affect this race. Most of the course was muddy and very difficult to get a grip on. I had a tough time keeping my grip and balance with all the mud, and it made me tired to run on something that took so much of my energy,”  junior Michael Payne explained.

Despite not officially placing at the competition, everyone successfully crossed the finish line and embraced the experience.

“The hardest part of a race is finishing. Even though the finish line is right in front of you it can become tough to push harder after all of your energy has already been used up,” states MSMS athlete, Landon Alexander.

Despite their mental obstacles and the threat of rain, the MSMS Cross Country team managed to successfully complete the daunting course.