Dedicated in their work to prepare for their upcoming season, the Timber Creek Cross Country team’s athletes wake up to run at 6:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday during the summer and school year at the Timber Creek track, and occasionally Bear Creek Park. With mornings filled with sweat, blisters, and puke, everyday workouts may seem gruesome to onlookers, but for these athletes, it’s all worth it for the competition, friendships and memories that are made during practice.

This summer, the team has been working to train for their usual season’s 5K races through consistently logging an average of 35-40 miles a week, and running workouts such as 600m repeats and long distance runs. With an overall goal of reaching within the top four placings at regions and advancing to state as a team, student-athletes like junior Braden Lange believe that the level of difficulty will prepare them for the upcoming season.

“For the last two years we have fallen short to qualify for state,” Lange explained. “We are definitely ready to come back for some revenge this year.”

With their goals clearly kept in mind, these athletes have also learned key aspects such as how uncovering each individual’s greatest potential, as head coach Jeridan Strong has taught runners how to be phenomenal teammates throughout the offseason and competitions. Explaining that success is found through accomplishing their goals, Strong has set not only a great atmosphere for the athletes over the summer but also to be encouraging and hold each other accountable on and off the course, believing that anything is possible this season.

“[These runners are] a support group,” said Strong.  “[They’re all] working towards getting faster, pushing through more pain, and having more confidence in [their] abilities.”

With cross-country season approaching fast, Timber Creek is on their A game. The first meet will take place at the Buff XC course in Fort Worth on Aug. 25 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.