Sophomore Greta Leibeler first started running for Cross Country in August of last year. This season, she welcomes more hard work and commitment.

“It’s really challenging to go to a two-hour practice after a long day at school when I’m exhausted,” Leibeler said.

Leibeler loves sports and does winter track and soccer in the fall at McLean High School. She finds Cross Country the most challenging of the three, as it is physically and mentally difficult.

“To prepare for a race, you have to convince yourself why you should run. You feel so good and accomplished afterwards,” Leibeler said.

Leibeler’s proudest moment was when she finished second for McLean at a quad meet at Lake Fairfax last year.

“You feel so proud of yourself after a race, especially since Cross Country is an individual sport,” Leibeler said.

However, the Cross Country team doesn’t spend every minute of their free time running and practicing. Leibeler‘s favorite memory of Cross Country, wasn’t at a meet.

“I loved the pasta parties we had before every meet,” Leibeler said, chuckling.