Hey RedHawkS! You might have heard the amazing news about our Renton Cross Country team winning leagues last year! To make that news even more exciting, the last time we won was in 1997! Now even though we all did an amazing job, we really have to give a big thanks to Dylan Wheeler. Dylan earned 1st place and this makes him a two time league champion on top of many other achievements.  Here is what he had to say.

A picture of Dylan Wheeler running during Cross Country Leagues 2023.  

1. What is Cross country?
“The sport of long distance running, also a busy lifestyle.”

2. Why did you start doing cross-country?
“My dad brought up the idea to me and I though I should give it a try.”

3. When did you first start doing cross-country?
“I joined my freshman year of high school.”

4. Why do you continue to run cross-country?
“Somewhere along the way I fell in love with running and I just so happened to be good at it.”

5. What is the hardest part about Cross country for you?
“Always the start of the run and the end of the run.”

6. What advice you would give to new Cross Country runners/
“Consistency is key, just keep pushing, but most importantly have fun and never forget
to smile.”

7. I heard you made it to the state. How did you do that?
“ I just stayed very consistent and kept going with motivation.”

8. How did that make you feel?
“Great! I felt like all my hard work was paying off.”

9. I heard you also do track and broke the 5-minute mile, and only 2% of high school
kids do that. How did you do it?
“ I just keep running, smiling, and not giving up.”

10. What do you do to prep before a meet?
“ Eat, sleep, drink lots of water, and do lots of stretching.”

I really enjoyed interviewing Dylan about all of his accomplishments and seeing behind the scenes of it all.  I can’t wait to incorporate these tips and tricks into my running! No matter where you’re at with your running, I would also try these tips and see how it goes!