The sun begins to set, and the sound of tennis shoes against pavement echos off of the houses nearby. Groups of students shuffle back to South, as this marks the start of winter running club. Senior Grace Tauber explained that fast-paced competition running now shifts to a more enjoyable and fun time.

Winter running club gives athletes time to run with friends as well as having no
added pressure of competition, Natalie Sells, Winter Running Club Coach, explained. Students meet in the South Fieldhouse after school and run around the Glenview neighborhoods until sundown, Sells explained.

“Athletes check in with me or the facilitator that day, warm up, then go on a run in the Glenview neighborhoods,” Sells said. “Each day of the week a different grade gets to pick the route.”

Winter running club offers a stress-free way for students to participate in running, and not only do competitive cross country and track athletes participate, but also students who just like to run have the opportunity to take part as well, Sells explained.

“I enjoy seeing my athletes between seasons and meeting new athletes in the building in a very relaxed environment,” Sells said.

This relaxed environment also provides a time for runners to enjoy themselves,
Tauber explained.

“It is really fun to run outside in hats and gloves with my friends,” Tauber said.
“We go on shorter runs than we usually do, and the sun sets while we [are] running so the sky is really pretty as well.”

Although for students who participate in competitive running, winter running
is a nice in-between for the cross country and next track seasons, Tauber explained.

“It helps me and my teammates strengthen our running abilities and be-
come more mentally tough by running during such cold weather,” Tauber said.

Meaghan Fastert, Winter Running Club Coach, believes that this opportunity creates great collaboration between the physical and mental aspects of running.

“This club is twofold- it helps athletes prepare for the season and it also helps create bonds with both the cross country runners and the distance runners on track if they did [not] participate in cross country,” Fastert said.

Although the goal of this club is to work on conditioning, Fastert explained the relationship between athletes and coaches is one of the most important aspects incorporated into the club.

“The athletes are the greatest group of people to be around,” Fastert said. “They
are always happy to include others and are people that I hope my two daughters will be like when they grow up.”