The LFHS girls cross country team earned their spot at State last weekend. It may have seemed like a guarantee to the unknowing spectator; however, it’s not that simple. The whole season must build up before reaching the finale, each race leading to the next.

How do they do it? How does the team find success after success until they reach their goal? 

The answer is: Superstitions. Rituals. Routines. 

Some athletes take a more lowkey route. Senior Hannah Burke likes to have a calm night and morning before a race.

“I try to go to bed pretty early that night,” Burke said. “And then in the morning, I usually go with a protein bar or something quick to give me energy.”

Food is a big superstition in order to have a good meet for the team. Senior Gabby Heintzelman keeps her pre-race diet consistent.

“I always eat a sunny side up egg on an english muffin,” Heintzelman said. “And I always drink orange LMNT in my water the whole day before.”

While these rituals may not have any tangible impact on the outcome of the race, the mental impact is real. Not completing these rituals can affect the way the athletes perform in their races.

“I eat toast with peanut butter and honey, and then I cut up a banana and I have honey on that,” senior Megan Lawniczak said. “There was one time I didn’t have peanut butter and it threw me off mentally.  I feel like it definitely messes with my head.”

Clothing can also have an impact on the outcome of the race, according to their superstitions. Senior Lindsay Schmit makes sure to wear her “lucky” outfits.

“I wear the same black and blue saucony running socks,” Schmit said. “This year I started wearing this rubber/silicone bracelet with motivational words on it for meets.”

While clothing and food seem to be a common theme in superstitions, some people pair clothing, food, and other traditions to get pumped and feel as prepared as they can be.

“The night before, I always watch the Michael Jordan documentary, ‘The Last Dance,’” junior Pilar Rosales said. “And while I’m getting ready in the morning, I watch an Olympic race. I feel like that just gets me in the right headspace.”

Even down to the very last moment before the race, rituals continue to be equally significant. No matter the time, the athletes continue to follow their superstitions to perform to their best ability in their race. 

“I used to pour honey into my mouth, but now I eat honey stingers right before,” Rosales said. “I’m also pretty methodic about the way I tie my shoelaces. It has to be perfect.”

In the past, Rosales once had back to back meets — one Friday night and one Saturday morning. She decided to not repack her bags and redo all her superstitions. This ended with unexpected consequences.

“That event was the worst we ever ran as a relay. All of us did so badly,” Rosales said. “It definitely added to superstitions.”

These rituals kicked into action last Saturday, when the team got fifth in sectionals. Now, the team, and their superstitions, are running all the way to state this weekend.