So they'll suck it up, take a deep breath and keep on running. Some days, it's tough, but I'll think about winning a state title. If we want to get back there, we have to go out there and do the best we can. Not running is not an option. Unlike almost all team sports, cross country runners can't afford to not practice.
Football only practices as a team five months a year.
For basketball, it's more like four. If you don't play soccer for three months, you don't have to re-teach your body how to kick the ball or make slide tackles. Athletes can lift weights and do other things to get themselves in shape. Or they stop. There's no in-between.