Coming off a team title at the Hamilton Invitational two weekends ago, the women’s cross country team is in a good position going into the final phase of the season. To learn more about the difficult nature of running and the positive aspects that help athletes get through tough days,

The Spectator

sat down with Betsy Overstrum ’24.

Cross country centers more around pain tolerance than most other sports. Do you have any methods for pain management when races get tough?

My teammates are a constant during races, smooth or rough. We arre in it together, fighting the same course and conditions, and we know how to pull and push each other through tough races. It’s small words of encouragement or a tap on the hip from a teammate up ahead that keep my head in the game and remind me that I can do it — for myself and for my teammates. I also have a few mantras that I try to repeat to myself, as well as my “suck it up, buttercup” race day socks.

What is your favorite part about running competitively?

I love the atmosphere around college running. Everyone is here to compete and work hard, but we support each other (teammates and other opponents) as we do it. Running can be a lifelong sport, but to be able to compete on true cross country courses with a driven and enthusiastic team is something special.

From your own experience, do you think runner’s high is real or a myth?

In my experience, runner’s high is definitely real. There is nothing quite like strolling inside after a glorious long run or workout, head held high and legs comfortably tired. It is a state of euphoria that, when it hits, hits hard, and leaves a smile on my face for quite a while.

What has been the most satisfying part of the cross country season for you?

Cross country is a gritty sport. The most satisfying part of cross country is a true cross country meet where it is chilly, muddy and windy. It is the kind of moment when you huddle up with your team, put your head down, and persevere through the chaos that is a course. Aside from that, over the span of the season, I love seeing new runners succeed or achieve personal milestones. It is so much fun to be able to remind someone how awesome they are and how fast they just ran.

Injuries are really common among runners. How do you try to stay healthy?

I listen to my body as best I can, and communicate any tweaks or discomfort to our coaches so we can get ahead of them. Overtime, I have learned what my body can handle as far as training goes, and I try to push myself to a healthy extent while tapping the breaks when necessary. The keys for me are staying hydrated, stretching, rolling out and getting lots (lots!) of sleep. Cross training has always been a big help too.

What is the best race you have had so far this season?

My best race so far was definitely towards the beginning of the season. While I have not performed as well as I know I am capable, I am hoping to come running strong into the final weeks of our season and peak in line with our championship meets.

How does the team help with the demands of running?

Running is a social sport. We show up to practice every day and go off as a team to practice with no drills or scrimmages but instead the opportunity to chat and crack some jokes. Having a group of girls that can keep each other entertained is huge. What is even more important is that we help each other through workouts and races. It is not hard to tell when someone is having a tough go or rough day, and having a team that I know will help each other is incredibly comforting.

What advice would you give to a non-runner trying to get into the sport?

Give it a chance! Running has the potential to be a lifelong sport that can connect you with incredible people. Start slow and work your way up because you are more capable than you can imagine. Building mileage slowly and creating goals are great ways to keep yourself excited. A running buddy is always helpful, and they can be especially great when exploring new areas!

A casual observer might say that running is not fun, as it lacks the ball-and-stick aspect of many other sports, leaving pain at the forefront of competitions. What are your thoughts on this point of view?

As someone who played many sports growing up and only started running competitively in my junior year of high school, that point of view makes sense. Running is special in that it is both an individual sport and a team sport. More than other sports, it has the ability to connect people and bring them to new places. Running can bring out the worst in people in terms of pain, but it brings out the best of spirit and camaraderie. If you do not think running is fun, you have not run a relaxed Lower Loop with the women’s cross country team on a cool fall day.

Lightning Round

Favorite pre-race and post-race meals?

Pre-Race: scrambled eggs, toast/english muffin and berries. Post-Race: I’m pretty flexible, but it’s always accompanied by a tall glass of chocolate milk.

Do you prefer long runs or interval workouts?

Long runs.

Best workout you have ever done?

Best cross country workout: Pumpkin Relays! We combine the men’s and women’s teams into smaller relay teams and do intervals with some Halloween spirit. Everyone walks away with a pumpkin, and whether it’s the round and golden pumpkin or warty gourd, we work for it!