Jv winning 2nd place at RB invite.

The girls cross country season is just getting started!

According to ChatGPT, cross-country running dates to the early 19th century in England. It evolved from “hurdle races,” where participants would run through fields and over obstacles. Unlike track races, cross country takes place on varied terrains, including grass, dirt trails, and sometimes even hilly or muddy paths, which adds to the challenge. As a result, cross-country races typically range from 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) for high school races to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) for collegiate and elite races, with some events going longer. Cross country training typically includes long runs, interval workouts, hill training, and strength conditioning to build endurance and speed. Cross country races are often team-oriented, with teams scoring points based on the finishing positions of their runners. The team with the lowest total score wins. As a matter of fact, cross country requires not just physical endurance but also mental resilience, as runners face varying weather conditions and challenging courses.

In a random survey of 100 Morton East students. Students reported that 49 said that they do enjoy running, however, 51 said they don’t enjoy running.

“Although at times its a mental challenge, I always have the willpower to keep on going, believe it or not, but it’s the girls that keep me motivated to keep running,” said Junior Maribel Contreras.

Another junior enjoys running as well, but gets her motivation from her family.

“Yeah, I do enjoy running, especially when all my friends are there. I think my motivation when it comes to running is making my family and myself proud. The most challenging part about being a runner is being mentally ready for races,” Junior Ariana Aragon said.

Here at Morton, it’s the coach’s responsibility to get the girls ready for the races. They do this with constant practice.

“The goal is to finish 2nd or 3rd in conference. The most challenging competition was the one last Saturday at Lyons township because it was 3.1 physically and mentally strong,” said Coach Daniel Bulster.

But many students have said they don’t like running.

“Because it’s too tiring and I run out of breath, an experience was for gym when we have to run the mile,” said senior Fabiola Barajas

However, another student has said that they don’t like running but they also feel lightheaded when they are running.

“I don’t like running because after a while I get lightheaded,” said senior Andy Padilla.

Runners can get lightheaded when they are overexerted, but one’s body can naturally try to fix the problem.

“It makes you sweat,” said senior Berenice Velero.

According to “The health benefits of sweating” by Piedmont Healthcare, sweating actually helps to cool you down, so you don’t pass out.