Cross country is often a mysterious and misunderstood sport. We sat down with Francisco Moran, who is a state runner for the school’s team, to get his opinion on some of the misconceptions about the sport and what it’s really all about.

Q: So, when did you first learn about cross country?
A: I learned it from Mr Whitson when I was in seventh grade, he thought I was an eighth grader, so he told me to run cross country.

Q: What was it that compelled you to join cross country in the first place?
A: Um, I kinda just wanted to get better at track, it was tougher and it helped me get better in shape.

Q: What is it about cross country that you think makes it unique among all other sports, besides the fact that you’re running several miles each time?
A: One of the biggest reasons is that we run not as a punishment, because in other sports, running is usually a punishment, I guess.

Q: What was something that surprised you about the sport?
A: It’s a lot easier than people think, like people see it and think “oh no, you have to run a bunch of miles”, but it’s really just like jogging.

Q: Has there ever been a time where you felt overwhelmed by how difficult the sport can be?
A: Never ever with cross country, never have I ever done a workout and thought I can’t do this, except for one time when I ate 20 min before practice and almost threw up.

Q: What is it that you like so much about the sport?
A: I really love the team, everybody’s really positive and there’s no beef.

Q: Is there someone who you look up to in cross?
A: Anson Huang, he’s just great as a leader and really knows how to pump us up, and also a little shout-out to Richie Doan, cause he’s a speedy boy.

Q: Considering that it can be quite a draining sport, what is it that keeps you going? What motivates you to go to practice every time?
A: State, going to state is just a fun experience, because you’re like with all the other people that went through everything with you.

Q: Do the skills that you learn translate to any other sports?
A: Wrestling, because you have to use a certain amount of endurance. Oh and also track.

Q: What has the the toughest challenge you have had to face so far while doing this sport?
A: I can’t really say, because there’s not really a time I’ve been on the verge of something too tough.

Q: You’re planning to do cross for the rest of high school right? Before you graduate, what do you hope to accomplish in the sport?
A: I wanna break 15 or 16 min in the 5k, I wanna get top 50 at state.

Q: What do you think the most common misconception of cross country is?
A: That’s its hard and that it’s an impossible sport to do.

Q: What would you say to someone who was skeptical and how would you convince them of joining cross?
A: As long as you are smart with your pacing, as long as you’re trying, as long as your positive, you’ll have a good time in cross country, whether that’s because your fast, or because you meet a whole bunch of cool people.