A Season for Cross-Countrymen

Just as the calendar is signaling the return of Fall and the presence of early morning frost becomes more pronounced, the evenly paced "tchk…tchk…tchk" of running shoes on gravel paths announces a return to fields and hills…

Over the past week, all three of my children have formally begun their cross-country seasons as evidenced through their individual participation in both "formal" meets and and pre-season scrimmages. Having the great opportunity to be in the groupings of parents and spectators, interacting with the student-athletes and fellow parents, was also a welcome reminder for me of why I enjoyed cross country running as a youth, and have since rekindled the love affair in my adulthood.

The course my stepson's team will run once again this season is the same that I raced on twenty-some-odd years ago as a public school student. For sure, cross-country is the odd-bird sport that brings out a wide variety of would-be athletes, especially those who are there not for the “win,” but for the experience, together… there are few sports were those who “lose” or come in near the back, often receive the loudest cheers from the crowds.

Huffing up the incline, leaning into rolling hills, lengthening your gait as you careen across uneven fields… win or lose, having come this far on the course—it is good to be reminded that we are all “cross-countrymen.”

Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!