How Long Is A Mile? ~ An Interview With A Cross Country Runner

The cross-country fanatic, known to the Wattpad-miniverse as TheBlueHoodie, has deigned this impromptu interview viable enough to be viewed by the general public.

Translation: The chick that this chapter is dedicated to loves running a whole heck of a lot, and she really really really wants to share it with the world.

Lines in italics are the questions, asked by yours (somewhat)truly, and the Miss Kante(TheBlueHoodie)'s answers are in bold.

*XC=Cross Country

 (fair warning: ONE expletive)

...So, here we go! Enjoy, and next time you get a chance, try running to alleviate stress. It does some wonders, I'll tell you that. ANYWAY- first question!

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How long have you been running?

I've been running since 8th grade. I didn't run freshman year of high school, but I started running again sophomore year.

Haha, I hated running back in 8th grade, but when I did XC* it was completely different from the running in 8th grade(intermural running). XC is a team oriented sport, and you get personal satisfaction and reward for your running. but 8th grade was just, for lack of a better term, bleh running. I only did it because my mom said I should.

 

What's the story behind your best win?

Ok, so... I haven't actually won any races throughout my running career. Alhough, I plan on making varsity next year. That's why I'm gonna train my ass off during outdoor and this summer season.

To win a race, you have to be able run like, 5 minute miles... I can't. It's ten times harder for me to reach that level, due to my asthma, and ankle problem.

 

Can you share the memory of your worst loss?

Oh.. it was a time trial. I had gotten so out of shape, because I hadn't run at all since sophomore year XC. I started junior year with times to be ashamed of... They were almost as bad as when I first started to run. Cringeworthy. >.<

 

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And now, TheBlueHoodie will share her great running secret:

I always keep half a piece of wrapped gum in the waistband of my spandex... And no, it doesn't get sweaty- contrary to popular belief. Jeez, it's SPANDEX people! It's made to repel sweat.

Now why do I do that,  you ask? Because when I run, I get dehydrated, and it locks up my throat, which leads to breathing problems and asthma attacks. So when I need to, I pop the gum in my mouth and chew it until my mouth creates saliva and "un-dries" my throat... But sadly, I've run many a race without gum...never turned out well.

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What's your training schedule like?

We run everyday after school, 2:45-5:00, and Saturday morning practices(usually from 8:00-10:00). The yearly schedule is complicatedly confusing. O.o

So, it's a cycle: XC --> Outdoor --> Summer --> XC

XC is split into the preseason and the season. The preseason starts early August(Aug 11th this year; also b4 school starts), and ends when the season starts(after the first 2 weeks of school). The season  ends after States, which is usually really late October.