Many people say that cross country is one of the most difficult and physically demanding sports. Many people shudder at the thought of running two or more miles on hilly, steep, muddy, and rocky trails. The funny thing is, that's not even the worst part. To run two to four miles in a race, you have to prepare. “How do you prepare your body to run that long? » one might ask. This is where my point comes in. Being a cross country runner for four years, I have seen, done and heard about a plethora of ways and strategies to become a successful cross country runner . Some are wacky, ridiculous and just plain stupid; but some are also rewarding, beneficial and worth the hard work. Personally, I feel like having a good balanced diet, learning to pace myself and maintaining a positive and motivating attitude are the key ingredients to succeed as a cross country runner. Some people have this idea that cross country runners, or just runners, only eat salads or small meals. This is absolutely false. Running puts a lot of work on your body. This makes your metabolism work much harder and burns up a lot of your energy. Food is your main source of energy and if you only eat salads, you won't get the amount of energy you need to successfully run 3 miles or more. When I was a runner, I made sure I had a good, nutritious breakfast. I ate scrambled eggs, with a little cheese, oatmeal, hash browns, or toast, sausage, or a piece of ham. Eggs and ham will give you your protein, which is very important because protein builds and repairs muscle. Cheese on eggs gives you a source of vitamin D, which strengthens healthy bones. The grains, ha...... middle of paper ......w quickly you will be finished. Also keep in mind that you are not only running for yourself, but also for your team. Letting go of all the negative vibes and thoughts can make room in your mind for the thought that can help you succeed. Cross country is not a difficult sport, contrary to popular belief. People often think that you have to be born with the stamina to run four or five miles at a time. There are so many different things that people think are necessary, like running sprints, running long distances, or lifting weights and building strength, but in reality, these things are minor. Although being physically fit is idealistic, it is not the most important thing for success, as having a well-balanced and nutritious diet, pacing and strategizing, and having the right positive attitude can put you fit to be a successful cross country runner.