Left. Right. Left. Right.
The cold sweat drips down her body as her legs begin to feel like Jell-O. Her heart races, as her body wants to give in to the pain.
These are typical reactions that can happen to any runner, from the weekend jogger to the most seasoned distance runner. To senior runner Mary Veith, it is all in a day's work.
Veith, a member of the cross-country team, looks to her parents, Kevin and Jean, as the "who" that has allowed her to reach heights she only dreamed of.
"Having five siblings, everything that my parents earned went to us," Veith said. "They are definitely the inspiration of my commitment to work hard."
Veith, a graduate of Lake Shore High School, took herself and her team to new heights. She led the Lake Shore Eagles to the Section VI team cross-country title in 2004 and won the individual race. This earned Veith a place on the All-ECIC Academic team.
In much of the same way that she runs, Veith takes all of these accolades in stride. Always remembering how and who got her to UB is something she never forgets.
According to assistant coach Chris McClure, making it on to Buffalo's cross-country team is based on factors other than how well the students can run. These include leadership and pride.
"Mary brings more than just performance to the table," McClure stated. "Her bright smile is infectious and her dedication to the team, sport and program are forever to be emulated by her peers."
Veith has her own hypothesis on what makes her a sound runner.
"Besides the commitment to run every single day, it takes determination and discipline," she said.
This determination, Veith explains, involves not only finishing a race but also expecting to win it.
A native of Derby, Veith arrived to the University of Buffalo, as what McClure calls, a "freshman already filled with Buffalo pride."
According to McClure, besides having a "true blue attitude," Veith opted for UB because of the positive program she would be running into.
Veith also admits that head coach Vicki Mitchell was another important reason for her decision to run for the Bulls.
"She reminded me of my high school coach," Veith attests. "Coach Mitchell, much like my former coach, pushes me."
Off of the track and cross-country course, Veith focuses on her major in chemistry. She carries a 3.8 GPA in, arguably, one of the toughest majors at the university. It is obvious to see that success, for Veith, begins in the classroom and stretches to the cross-country course.
After this year, Veith knows that her career with the Bulls will be over, both academically and athletically. Once she leaves, she plans on going to graduate school to continue her education in chemistry or possibly find a job in Western New York.
Wherever she goes, Veith will never forget the lessons she has learned from her four years of collegiate cross-country.
"Cross-country has instilled within me the sense that I must reach the highest level of success that I possibly can in anything that I choose to do," she said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
