Class of 2010 (Junior)
4th place

When did you start running cross country?

Freshman year.

What do you like about cross country?

I like the satisfaction of knowing that I pushed myself hard, and it feels really good—you don't get it in other sports. Going through all these workouts is painful, but you get used to it and start to enjoy the sport.

Why did you start running?

My parents wanted me to start running, for exercise, and my brother had done cross country the year before, so I thought I'd try it. I previously played baseball and soccer, since first grade.

How do you work out?

We run long, endurance workouts—anywhere from six to 10 miles, and then also shorter workouts to focus on speed. We run intervals on the track, we run 800s, which are about half a mile, to one-mile repeats. That's when we run a mile, take a break for a few minutes, and then do it over and over again to improve speed. This also helps with endurance.

How often do you work out?

Six days a week.

Advice to future runners?
Come out and try cross country, just run. Never give up. It requires motivation.

Have you qualified for CCS before?

Freshman year, I got to run at CCS because someone on the varsity team was injured and I was first alternate. Last year, I also qualified individually.
    
What does it take to be a good runner?

It takes discipline and lots of motivation. Stamina. You have to like what you're doing or there's no way to improve. Talent by itself isn't enough because running is painful—you need to rely on inner drive and motivation to enjoy it.
    

Do you run outside of school?

Yes, it's good to run six days a week so you don't get out of shape. I like to run in the afternoon so I can sleep in on the weekends, but that's just my preference.
    

How do you feel about States coming up?

I'm really excited! I'm happy I qualified. While I was running last weekend, I just kept thinking—I have to stay in that pack, those first eight kids in every race who will qualify for states.
    

How do you manage your time?

It's definitely very difficult. I stay up late at night doing homework. It's hard. But I think it's worth it because I love cross country and working hard in school.
    

What is your inspiration for running?

My freshman year, I was determined to be as good or better than the fastest runner at MVHS, Simon Bill. Also, Yu Hsiao, who graduated this year, was my running buddy. We trained together off season, too. And my family supports me a lot—my mom comes to all my races and videotapes me.
    

Jean Feng

Class of 2009 (Senior)
6th place

Sixth grade

What do you like about cross country?

I like to push myself when I run, to test my limits and see how far I can go. I also love our team and enjoy all the bonding we do.

Why did you start running?

My sixth grade PE teacher Lori Gragnola told me to join because she thought I'd be good at it.

How do you work out?

We warm up, stretch, and then work out. We try to alternate between hard and easy days. Sometimes we run intervals, which are repetition sprints… we do tempo runs, which involves maintaining a constant pace for an extended period of time. We do endurance runs, around eight miles, taking it easy.

How often do you work out?

Daily. Cross country practice is one and a half hours per day.

Advice to future runners?

Find a running partner, about the same speed as you, so you can have fun, but push yourself at the same time.

What do you dislike about running?                                                                                              

I don’t like how it’s so easy to get injured. I personally am never out for more than a day, but it’s really dangerous. Lots of people I know end up with shin splints and miss out on several seasons.