Before the race begins, varsity cross-country runner Hannah Dutler ’16 is visualizing the course of the race in her head silently while others are jamming out to music trying to fire themselves up.  As the runners line up, Dutler prepares mentally for the race by checking to make sure she has followed her superstitious routine.

“Before every race I have to wear my lucky yellow polka dot hair ribbon, eat two thermoses of pasta, put my left shoe on first, and not look at my phone,” Dutler said.  “I always have been pretty superstitious, especially when it comes to cross country.”

Throughout her middle school years at Saint Francis Xavier, Dutler developed her superstitions for cross country.

“There was one time I wore a blue polka dot hair ribbon instead of my lucky yellow, and I raced terribly,” Dutler said.  “From that point on, I have always made it my priority to bring my yellow polka dot ribbon socks.”

Dutler’s superstitions have stuck with her since freshman year, and she continues to use them to her advantage.

“My superstitions don’t control me and give me instant energy, but rather they help me prepare for the race mentally,” Dutler said. “They give the sense of control over the race and result.”