“Why do you like running, anyway?” is a question nearly all cross country athletes have heard in their career. While it may not look fun to everyone, junior Piper Hula found her passion through the sport and the community it provided.

As the top runner on the girls’ cross country team, Hula has found more than just success in her running career.

Hula has a personal record (PR) of 20:09, and she doesn’t plan on slowing down. Hula placed 22 out of 241 runners at the Rim Rock Classic race on Sept. 23 in 20:45 and finished third in the Newton Invitational meet on Sept. 30 in 20:51. 

“I’d definitely like to break a 20-minute 5k,” Hula said. “That’s my goal for this year.”

Cross country is about more than just speed. 

“Running is definitely a mental sport because while you’re running your body starts to become fatigued and your legs just get tired,” Hula said. “Usually you’re only like halfway through so you have to keep telling yourself to keep going, you can’t stop, even if you’re hurting or in pain.”

Hula finds that perseverance is a major part of success in cross country. 

“If you stop, then you’re letting yourself quit,” Hula said. “You’re supposed to keep going no matter what.”

While cross country can be physically challenging, the positives of the sport are what matter to Hula. 

“Cross country is really hard but it’s also really rewarding,” Hula said. 

Despite the hardships of racing, Hula finds joy and freedom in the sport. 

“I like to run because I feel like that’s kind of how I fly,” Hula said. “It might sound weird, but it just kind of makes me feel free, like I can go anywhere and my body just feels good like when you have that one good time when you’re on top of the world.”

Hula has also found community with her team. “I really like the people (in cross country). Some of my best friends are on the cross country team, so having friends there just makes it so much fun,” Hula said. 

Following her staggering success during high school, Hula intends to run track in college, although she is unsure of where. “I would really like to run track in college, and I’m guessing I would run cross country, too,” Hula said. 

While many athletes can feel stress and pressure to succeed, Hula feels differently about her performance. “(Running) is a great way to help with stress,” Hula said. 

“I always want to do good, but I know the coaches just expect me to work hard, they don’t necessarily expect a certain place or time,” Hula said. “As long as I’m doing my best I know that people will be proud of me.”