Many people say that cross country is one of the most difficult and physically demanding sports there is. Many people shudder at the idea 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 races, you need to prepare. “How do you prepare your body to run that long?” you might ask. This is where my argument comes in. Having been a cross country runner for four years, I have seen, done, and heard about a myriad of ways and strategies to become a successful cross country runner. Some are outlandish, ridiculous and just plain stupid; but some are also rewarding, useful, and worth the hard work. Personally, I want to eat a balanced diet, learn how to pace myself and maintain a positive and motivating attitude and the key ingredients to being a successful runner. Some people have this idea that cross-country runners, or simply runners, only eat salads or small meals. This is absolutely false. Running takes a lot out of your body. It 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 ran, I made sure to eat a good, nutritious breakfast. I would eat scrambled eggs, with a little cheese, grits, hash browns or toast, sausage or a piece of ham. Eggs and ham will provide you with protein, which is very important because protein builds and repairs muscles. Cheese on eggs provides a source of vitamin D, which builds strong, healthy bones. The grain, ah... half the paper... you'll quickly be done. Also, keep in mind that you are not only racing for yourself, but also for your team. Letting go of all negative vibrations and thoughts can make room in your mind for thoughts that can help you succeed. Cross-country skiing is not a tough 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, walking heavy miles, or lifting weights and building strength, but in reality these things are minor. While being physically fit is idealistic, it is not the most important thing for success because eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, pacing yourself, establishing a strategy and having the right positive attitude can put you in shape to be a runner. successful cross-country skiing.