Mind-numbing pain and sweat is ignored as the runners continue on-the only thing on their minds are the finish line and the glory that comes when they cross it first. None other then the Abraham Lincoln High School cross-country team performs these extraordinary acts. The cross-country team is made up of a friendly group of people who all enjoy one thing – getting better at competitive running.

The team’s practice ranges from mileage, froglek (three sets of three laps at your fastest pace), thresholds (running at your own pace for 15-20 minutes), hard mileage, and beach runs. Occasionally, the team practices on Saturdays. All of the runners are dedicated to physical fitness and continued running even during the summer.

Though often associated with track, cross-country is quite different. The field consists of a rigorous terrain. An example is running up and down hills, through mud and grass, and much more. Also, the running distance is much longer then expected; everyone runs 4,800 meters.

Senior, Stephen Wong is captain of the boy’s cross-country team; seniors, Lucy Luong, and Rebecca Cho, are co-captains of the girl’s cross-country team this year. The captains are motivated to work together with their team and improving as a whole.

The team unanimously enjoys running because they consider it to be one of the most rewarding sports out there. They enjoy pushing themselves to their limits and they are proud of the progress they make because of their hard work. “It’s tiring when you run, but afterwards, you just feel refreshed,” sophomore Alan Young said.

Coach David Chen has high expectations and a bright outlook for this year. The boys’ varsity team took home the all city title last year and plans to keep it. Despite the fact that Lowell High School has never lost, the

Lincoln girls’ varsity team is intent on winning. Their first meet is around the end of September and there are seven more meets until All City; these runners have worked tirelessly for this. “I have a good feeling about this year,” said Coach Chen. “We’re definitely going to beat Lowell this year.”

Key players for the cross-country team this year include seniors, Lucy Luong, Rebecca Cho, Ariana Lim, Stephen Wong, Calvin Shiu, juniors, Ryan Mallman, Sloane Cook, sophomores Alex Smith, Eric Wong, and Raymond Sun. These runners are at the peak of their game and are a good example for their teammates.

Also, outside of practices, the cross-country team participates in a variety of activities such as volunteering for marathons, going to barbeques, and having a good time at out of school activities such as going to Raging Waters.

Dedication is the key to succeeding in cross-country. The team practices everyday after school, during the whole school year to improve their times and keep themselves healthy Though the try-out day has passed, the cross-country team always welcomes new members. This group of warm, energetic people can be seen after seventh period in the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) parking lot just relaxing for a bit before practice. If you want to be in a sport where you challenge yourself and have fun with enjoyable people at the same time, cross-country is definitely for you.