longruns

The team continued their matching shorts tradition.

Searching for a way to showcase their team’s unity, the boys agreed to continue last year’s matching shorts tradition. The team picked a design of blue shorts with lightnings, as the lightnings serve as a symbol of speed. They decided to wear them on Tuesdays, as it is their “fast workout training days.” “I enjoy doing this with our team, because not only do I just like the tradition, but it is also funny to see people’s reactions when they see all of us wearing the same funny-looking shorts and running very fast at the same time,” freshman Tim Rutten said. Throughout the season, the blue lightning shorts became a symbol of their unity and as a part of their team’s identity. This added an extra boost of motivation, as they were a visible reminder of the team’s commitment to each other and to their sport. “These shorts mean a lot to us because they represent how much of a team sport cross country is, as a lot of people do not perceive it as one,” freshman Adrian Lowe said. Photo by Valeria Castillo

As the sun rose, the team found itself at Key Biscayne making their way across the bridge, with their feet pounding the pavement as they pushed themselves to their limits. The sound of the waves crashed against the shore, and the salty sea smell breezed by them. The views of the ocean that stretched out before them drew the boys to this route. “The view was unforgettable. When I reached the top of the bridge, I watched the sky change colors from black to light blue,” freshman Martin Norena said. The bridge set a challenging incline that helped train the boys for hilly courses. “I had to run a nine-mile long run that progressively got faster. I knew it would be challenging, but this workout prepared me for other hilly races,” junior Stijn Rutten said. Photos by Valeria Castillo