In "Long- Distance Man" in the October issue of Teen Ink, I was intrigued by Samuel Powell's view on running cross country. When I read his article, I immediately understood what he was going through. Being in cross country, I understand the struggle he goes through in wanting to beat his opponents and how hard it is to train. I agree with him by the fact that there are people who don't think it is a sport, and they are wrong. People who haven't ran don't realize the amount of effort it takes to run continuously and how painful it can be. The runners at my school, Ayersville High School, do understand this because most of us are constantly wanting to improve, which is not only painful, but can be frustrating as well.