It’s hard to participate in a sport for four years and not miss a competition because of illness or injury.
With the finish of the state cross country meet Oct. 25, Ellison Piening, a senior at Milford High, accomplished that feat.
“I’m stubborn and competitive,” she said.
The cross country season includes 10 races, each 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long, if a runner qualifies for state. Piening made state all four years, meaning she ran 40 5K races over her career.
She started running because her older siblings Collin and Alayna competed and she attended their meets. While she has had bad meets, she hasn’t stopped battling to the finish.
Training involves a lot of running in the summer to build endurance, she said. Her longest runs were five to six miles. Workouts also included conditioning to improve speed.
Piening said her favorite courses are Hastings where the Eagles ran for districts her junior year and Minden. Both are flat, which she prefers.
“I’m not really a fan of hills,” she said.
She stayed with cross country throughout high school because the people who compete are different from other sports. She said she enjoyed the team meals especially.
“There’s room for everyone including the managers,” she said.
She kept an eye on her nutrition throughout each season. Drinking water is very important, especially on race days. Her pre-race favorite is pasta, and on race days she goes for PB&J – smooth peanut butter and strawberry jelly.
At the starting line, she said, she does get nervous so tries to think about other things. While she’s running, she focuses on her time goals, but sometimes allows her mind to wander.
She usually has family spread around the course to keep her accountable.
“I don’t want to let them down,” she said.
