Distance Decreases Drama

There is no doubt that no matter what the sport, if you are competing at a high level, you will be pushed mentally and physically to the limits of your ability and will to succeed. However, there is something in specific about distance running that seems to excessively test people’s limits and mentality. It goes without saying that running seems to be desirable to mostly those who are up to the challenge and hard work that accompanies competition. I realize that all sports require a great deal of commitment and sacrifice to be successful, but I would just like to point out that you don't normally see people going out for cross country for solely the social aspect as you do with many other school sports. One has to be invested in running at least a little in order to enjoy it.

Given this fact, it isn’t surprising that the level of drama and bickering associated with cross country is a lot less than many other sports. I feel that this is because distance running seems to bring teammates together. Everyone knows that what they are doing kind of sucks, and no one gets 100% pleasure from those summer days where you have to run 9 miles in 100 degree weather. This atmosphere of hard work and challenge acts to bring together teammates because generally, people feel as if they are getting through the tough workouts beside their friends who know what they are going through and can struggle with them.

Another point to mention is that in cross country and track, everyone knows at any given point where they are at. The times and races do not lie, so there is relatively minimal debate and conflict when it comes to teammates trying to figure out who is the best runner. I have heard many instances in which teammates from other sports (and occasionally track) argue over who should be on varsity or who is the more valuable player. In track, everyone knows where they stand, and the lineup is usually justified. That being said though, it has always seemed to me like no one really cares who the best runners are! We all just put in the work at practice, have fun at team bonding, and support one another on and off the track, no matter what level we are at. I love this feeling of “mutual suffering” as my team sometimes likes to rather dramatically think about our sport that brings us together and usually allows respect from one another across the board. 

Lastly, and probably most obviously, distance running brings teammates together simply from running together in practices! Spending an hour or more a day with you team running together on long runs provides a lot of time to talk and get to know each other. Making friends with one another usually helps to decrease the amount of drama in it of itself, and this goes for all sports.