Before they officially get going at the Central cross country course on September 7, both Pella and Pella Christian will be running a “time trial” on that very same course prior to their season opening meet. It’s a good starting point, says Eagles’ head cross country coach, Jocelyn Meinders, especially for those that are participating in the sport for the first time. She says that the time trial is just a chance for some of the newer runners to see what it means to race and to give them that experience. Meinders adds that she’s very happy that they’re doing it in conjunction with Pella instead of by themselves, so the kids are actually racing with other runners rather than just trying to push themselves. It also allows the athletes to prepare mentally and even physically, and Meinders says they can prepare some strategy for how to run at certain parts of the course.