The average person probably starts their day with a cup of coffee or a nice warm shower. But imagine waking up at the crack of dawn every morning to start your day with a 10 mile run.

For the cross country team, that happens to be a reality.

While many spent the homecoming weekend getting ready for the dance, the cross country  runners were hard at work. Coach Jeff Gurecki had great things to say about the meet, “Phenomenal, just about every kid on the team ran a personal best…”  

Off to a quick start the Pumas have already had three meets, most recently making the 370 mile trek to Norco, Calif.

“We’re just continuing our training… but being that Woodbridge is only our third competition it’s not really our focus, our focus is going to be on section and state,” Gurecki adds.

Newcomer Erin Gustafson, also ran a personal best at 24 minutes 20 seconds in the novice race.

Gustafson stated, “Cross country has really taught me to be self-motivated and actually push and work for something that I want rather than using my natural abilities…”

She continued, “the skills learned in training help all around, not just on the course.”

Senior runner Anthony Haren has also been setting some “PR’s” (personal records) at the sweepstakes race; a select invitational of some of the fastest racers from around the country.

Harren ran a 14 minute and 47 second three mile run, setting the new school record.

Haron said, “It’s all just mental basically, usually after two miles  is when you really start to feel the fatigue, it’s kind of reminding yourself, ‘yeah I’m almost done, let’s not give up now, we’ve already put this much work in’.”

With their countless hours of dedication, it’s no doubt cross country is on the road to state.