Cross country runner Ellie McCracken has been lacing up her sneakers for the final year of competition. McCracken over the past few years has had a string of bad luck. “My sophomore year I was diagnosed with exercise induced compartment syndrome, which required surgery. Then last year I had bilateral stress fractures, putting me in a wheelchair for two months.” Big goals for this season are focusing on getting healthy and getting back into running.
To prepare for this season, McCracken has been working on rebuilding mileage and just being able to run. “I had to just ease back into running.” McCracken was set up with an interval training plan. At first it felt slow, but it was what McCracken needed to stay healthy and sustain the running season.
“This season I’m just super excited about getting out there and running again! I’ve grown to love cross country, and it makes me so excited to work out with the team again.” McCracken shared how the team all wants to hit pr’s this season and compete at state, but more importantly to McCracken, is working on the mental side of running. “Running is such a mental sport.” In addition, McCracken loves and values her teammates. “Our team is like a family and at the core of it all, we really just want to show up, support each other, and enjoy the sport we all love.”
Although not completely decided on the future, McCracken is looking at pursuing a degree in early childhood education at Emporia State University. In addition to cross country, McCracken is also involved in NHS, FCA, was a track manager, and attends youth group.
