Junior Abby Lange had a successful cross country season this fall, and made her second career appearance at state on Nov. 2.

The race was at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. Lange finished 98th out of 174 runners. She finished in 15:36.5 at a pace of 6:17. She finished 27th at state a year ago, but has been set back in recent weeks by a leg injury and an iron deficiency.

“Both my iron deficiency and shin splints were my biggest challenges this season because I lacked energy and it was hard to have a strong race. It was difficult to run through my shin splints towards the end,” said Lange.

Throughout the season, Lange had a lot of good races, especially her Chaska race where she ran 2.5 miles in 14:41.0;55 and placed 3rd overall, helping her team place 11th. The cross country team runs together everyday, but as state drew closer her leg got worse. In preparation for state, she did not continue her normal training and eventually stopped running altogether.

“I was injured so I got acupuncture and I didn’t run much. I had pain patches and I raced in compression socks at state which was weird because I don’t normally do that,” said Lange.

“On a normal week it’s more about miles. It would be a 40 mile week but we would start tapering down in preparation for state,” said Lange.

According to the Stillwater Gazette an article by Stuart Groskreutz, “Abby did the best she could with her bad leg,” Ponies coach Dawn Podolske told a reporter, “Her shins got progressively worse between sections and state. She tried several treatments, but nothing really helped.”

Going to state is a big accomplishment that few athletes have the privilege to do. Lange has been running since she was about seven years old and all the time and effort she has put into this sport has clearly paid off. She was very excited about going to state but also nervous.

“Abby is really dedicated to running and it was hard to see her struggle with an injury, but she is also very determined so I know she will be ready for track season, said junior Lauren Lampright.

Lange has a lot of people supporting her throughout the school and community.

“My biggest fan is probably my dad because he gets really into the running and really supports me through everything,” said Lange.

Lange was also named captain of the team along with other teammates, Lampright and junior Sofie Wicklund. As Lange is in recovery mode, she is focusing on school and getting healthy for the track season.