As the Sections meet continues to approach, cross country runners begin to slow down the pace of practice, according to assistant coach Kelson Mackenzie.

“So we do what’s called a taper, which is where we do some really fast runs but we keep the recovery very long” Mackenzie said.

According to sophomore Rakesh Plants, the team begins to relax practice as the season comes to an end.

“Before sections, it’s usually a light workout. We keep our heavy workouts in like the early season,” Plantz said.

Senior captain Colin Perkins said the team has to work on pack running.

“I think we need to run in packs more,” Perkins said. “I think we can run together, more than what we think we can.”

Mackenzie understands that keeping the spirit high is a key thing to continue for Sections.

“(The team) just (needs to) keep the moral high, [keep] the comradery high, and… [hold] themselves accountable,” Mackenzie said. “Trusting in their teammates to do the right thing and make good choices and be ready to go.”

Plantz said the team only has three things to focus on before the meet.

“We just need to work on getting a good night sleep before the race, eating good food and showing up with a positive attitude,” Plantz said.

The Sections cross country meet will start at 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Gale Woods.