Cross Country Journal: Colette O'Leary of Milton

Colette O'Leary is currently a senior and team leader of the Milton HS Girls XC team. The Milton Girls are currently the #1 team in the state and one of the top ranked team in the Northeast Region. Over the next few weeks, Colette will share her journey and the ongoings of Milton XC with the greater Milesplit MA community. Enjoy!


"Cross country races are won over the summer" this is a quote our coach Tshaw constantly reminds us of before our summer training begins. On the Milton girls team summer training is not only an enormous commitment but also one of the most entertaining and rewarding experiences of the summer. Beginning in the end of June, Our team meets every evening to get in miles before the sun goes down. With the Blue Hills in our backyards, exploring never ends. Whether it be bushwhacking to find a new path or daring each other to swim across a swamp for a dollar. Summer training with the Milton girls is never boring. I believe this year's team is such a special group  because of our desire to work hard not only for our own individual success but most importantly for our team. Our coach tells us to run for the teammate behind us, so when we race, it is for the girl working just as hard for the same cause.This is something that has bound us together and pushes us to compete hard for one another.  

Coming into this season, we are definitely hungry to win. We have been training hard but at the same time, always keeping it fun. Tshaw stresses the importance of being a team and enjoying what we do together. Even when 1000 meter repeats does not sound very appealing ,it's the team that will get you through it. We have organized  weekend long runs with the Tewksbury XC team, and enjoy making friends with our rivals, especially considering how both teams are so strong and will be able to push each other to run faster later this season. Currently we are undefeated as well as winning  the Bowdoin Invitational. Heading out to Bowdoin our goal was to get a feel for the course as we will be trying to qualify for NXN on the same course later in the season. We knew it was a possibility to win the meet but mainly focused on taking  risks throughout the very hilly terrain. Our top 7 was expecting faster times,  however winning a big meet early in the season has given us confidence moving forward. We will be competing at the Twilight Invitational later this month and are excited to see some fast times there. Being a senior on the team I am looking forward to making the most of this season and any success we may have. High school cross country is something special and I can't wait to run my final XC season with the Milton team.