Osseo Lions Roar 5K Benefits Cross Country Team
For the last nine years, the Osseo Lions Roar 5k has benefitted the Osseo Senior High Cross Country Team. This year the race is Saturday, September 7 starting at 10 a.m. at the Osseo Senior High Track. The cost to participate is $25.
The race continues to grow, but coach John Rundquist remembers the early years of the race. The second year, runners wound up running a 3k instead of a 5k.
“We had police leading the pack,” remembers Rundquist. Incorrect maps of the race course meant the squad car turned the wrong way, but then he got an emergency call and had to take off. “Racers didn’t know what to do.”
From then on Rundquist says he puts emphasis on knowing your course. This year’s course is a nice one.
“It’s an official 5k course,” says Rundquist. “Nice and flat. It starts on the track of Osseo Senior High and finishes in downtown Osseo.”
What does it take to run a great 5k? Advice from the Osseo Senior High Cross Country Team:
“Stretch Beforehand. Because if you aren’t stretching, then you might pull something and that’s not going to feel that good,” said Thomas Christnagel, freshman. “And just don’t be last.”
“Stick with someone who is at the pace you want to be going at,” says Nick Kjome, senior.
“I’m a very superstitious person, so I have the same things—eggs for breakfast and I always wear an orange ribbon in my hair,” said Alexa “Lex” Davis, sophomore. “The first mile, run with your head. So be smart and don’t go out too fast. The second mile run with your legs because it’s going to hurt so you have to keep pushing. And the third mile? Run with your heart and think how bad do you want it?”
“Just make sure you don’t drink a lot of dairy before the race and get a good meal in the day before the race,” said Grace Poppe. “Go for a warm-up run and do some dynamic stretching. Then, we’ll stretch out and get ready for the race.”
To learn more about the Osseo Lions Roar 5k, click here.
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