The cool morning breeze greets her as she steps out of the car. As she stretches she prepares mentally and physically for her morning run, a 5 mile trek that begins before the sun appears over the horizon.

Sophomore Erika Dewitt, second year varsity cross country runner, and regional and state qualifier last year is off again this season with a strong start.

“I enjoy running because I am a perfectionist, always doing things slowly,” Dewitt said. “When I’m running, I just let go and don’t think about anything but breathing.”

Last year’s productive season has helped Dewitt prepare for this year, with her fastest time so far 20:04 in the 5K.

“(Last year) I was the only freshman,” Dewitt said. ”Everything was new, exciting and kind of scary, but most of all, fun.”

Dewitt’s favorite places to run are where there’s a lot of short soft grass like John Stiff Park. Her favorite part of cross country is the friends she makes from other schools and the bonding time she has with her teammates on long trips.

“I can’t depend on my teammates to help me perform at my best,” Dewitt said. “But it takes the whole team to perform well to qualify for state. It’s going to be harder this year, but I know we can do it. I just have to keep in mind how much harder we’ve worked this season and how much more strength I have compared to last year. When it gets hard, I have to think to myself, you didn’t wake up at 5 a.m. every morning for nothing. Don’t waste your time out here.”