You see the track ahead. It doesn’t seem that far. Then again, that is what you were thinking a mile ago, when your legs were only just beginning to ache. However, before you know it, you’re at the track, and you can take a nice deep breath — just in time for stride drills.

Welcome to the average cross country practice. A multiple mile run, and then strides as a complement. Although it may seem intimidating, Paly’s girls’ cross country team conforms well to the routine. Despite being composed of both new and old faces, a single desire is shared; the desire to win. "The girls’ team has a lot of heart and we know we will succeed," said senior Daniele Miller, co-captain and top Lady Vike runner last season.

Success will depend in large part on Miller as well as senior co-captain and No. 2 runner Amy Rogg. Both had an impressive season as juniors, as they led the Lady Vikes to the State Championships with an impressive 3rd place finish in Central Coast Sectionals last season.

Since last season, the Paly cross country team has changed from Division 3 to Division 2, which promises to increase the pressure and level of difficulty. Although Gunn, which has also made the division change, will not be returning graduated record-setting runner Ruth Graham, the Titans should still present a challenge. "Gunn still has Tori Tyler, now a junior, who is quite comparable to Graham, but she has been injured. I haven’t seen her run yet this year, but I’m expecting big things from her," Rogg said.

Head Coach Paul Jones expects the change to be challenging, but Miller, despite sharing similar thoughts, has faith in the Vikings. "This year in addition to Paly, other strong teams went from D-3 to D-2. D-1 schools have also dropped down to D-2. All in all I think D-2 will be the hardest division out there this year. I feel Paly has a strong chance in making CCS as long as the hard work continues," Miller said.

However, several key components of last year’s team are now gone or graduated. Among others, senior Heather Richels, sophomore Naomi Horiuchi, and graduated Malin Elsen will not be returning to the team. Last season, all three ran along with Rogg and Miller as part of a seven-member varsity squad.

The team will see production from many faces who were sidelined last season due to injury. "We are very lucky to have a healthy start on the team this year," Miller said. "With the loss of many on the varsity side it is great to know that everyone is healthy with an exception of Allyson Castro, who has ongoing hip problems. Ali Apple, Nicole Bizarri and Adrianne Bouchard will be huge in taking over opponents this year."

In addition, the Lady Vikes will receive support from many underclassmen. "This year I feel our up coming freshman may pull through and help the team out in many ways," Miller said. "They have heart and with that feel they will be great contributors to the team." Jones shares the same outlook on the freshmen. "Renata Cummins, a freshman, is fit and turned in strong times from junior high, and freshman younger siblings Katie Barich, Sarah Flamm, and Ruth Vinson show plenty of promise," Jones said.

Jones also envisions significant contributions from Jessica Brown and Allison Hoyt, two Lady Vikes who did not participate last year. Brown was side-lined for most of the season with an injury from soccer, but returns in full shape this year. Hoyt, a former Paly track star, spent last year abroad in Spain, but is back and ready to run.

Track providing cross country with extra runners is a common theme, and this year is likely to have a significant effect on the outcome of the Lady Vikes. Ashley Gadson, Tsegereda Mulugeta, Melody Gaal, and Bea Shen are likely to contribute after successful track campaigns last season.

Paly faces Gunn in a friendly race on Sept. 16 and will then take part in the Golden Gate Invitational, where the team will get a real feel of its ability, in addition to that of its competition.