There's nothing normal about running at the state cross country championships.
The size and quality of the field, the anticipation, the tough course - runners can be knocked out of their comfort zone.
But if anybody could be comfortable, it might just be the Helias girls and boys.
"We get to go out first (girls) and third (boys)," Helias coach Mary Haskamp said as the Lady Crusaders and Crusaders prepared for today's Class 3 championships at the Oak Hills Golf Center. "It's about the same time we're used to running for every meet. We don't have to wait around."