Running three long miles can become monotonous. Dedicated CAHS runners pass the time with thoughts of quenching their thirst with water and In-N-Out milkshakes. When inspiration is needed, these athletes use the power of the palate to pass the time.

“The thing that goes through my mind is that when I get home, I can eat a big cheeseburger, or a big bowl of spaghetti, and that helps me to keep running,” said junior Faith Pigeon. “Breaking my time [helps], but it’s mainly about food and In-N-Out milkshakes.”

Some runners have their own ways of going faster. “I try to lengthen my stride and that makes me go a little faster, because sometimes when you’re running your body gets tired; you kind of fall into a rut,” junior Greta Swanson said.

When freshman Brooke Swanson practices, she keeps herself occupied with the company of another teammate. “Usually, I try to pick somebody to stay with during the practice and usually I try to get faster and choose different people as I get better,” Swanson said.

Every runner hurries to get water. Greta Swanson said, “I just think about getting water when I am done.” And some runners just need a minute to catch their breath — Pigeon said, “I usually can’t really think because I’m out of breath.”

As much as running is vital to cross country, socializing plays an important role as well. “I am not that into sports or anything, I do it for more of a social opportunity,” said Brooke Swanson.

For sophomore PJ Musselman, winning is important but cross country is also about “Beating personal goals and pushing myself.”

For some runners, their favorite part is taking a trip to their post-race tradition with their team. “Normally, after a race, the team will go eat at In-N-Out,” said freshman Caleb Standley. Pigeon said, “We always go there and it’s so good. And you can splurge on animal style [fries] and a milkshake.”

The players enjoy the sport, despite the exhaustion and fatigue that comes with running. “It’s a sport where you don’t like it while you’re doing it, but when you’re done with it, you’re really glad that you did it,” said Greta Swanson.

With the season just starting, these runners are sure to get their fill of socializing and milkshakes, but for now they are in it for the long run.