Lexi Sheldon recalled being in seventh grade and watching her older sister, Bree, compete in a cross country meet.

The younger Sheldon knew then that she was hooked.

“It looked like fun and I wanted to do it,” said Sheldon. “My sister always has been a big motivator for me, and she has helped me through it.

“I always enjoyed running and it really has helped me get through everything.”

Now, five years later, Sheldon is ready to put the final touches on her high school career with the Colonial League and District 11 meet on the horizon. The Colonial League meet takes place Wednesday, Oct. 16, after Press deadlines.

“We are all having been doing well this season,” said Sheldon. “The girls have been doing really well and we have more wins this year. The boys have been strong as well. Everyone has been getting their PRs (personal records), too.

“The season has been going well for me, and it has been going too quickly. But I really love every minute of it.”

Since the start of the season, Sheldon has lowered her time six minutes from the 30-minute mark down to 24.

“I started taking it more seriously and it paid off,” said Sheldon. “I have been able to keep up better with runners at the end of the race and I feel like I have more energy. I just feel a lot better and confident.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock has noticed the difference.

“Lexi (Sheldon) has emerged as one of our top runners,” said Rusnock. “She has taken the sport more seriously and it shows. She has run some important races for us, which has helped accumulate wins for the girls.

“Lexi also took a leadership role when the season began and is very supportive of all of the runners on the team.”

Along with lowering her times, Sheldon also has thoroughly enjoyed the moment.

“Running has been great for me,” she stressed. “It has been very therapeutic. It helped me clear my head.

“I just have to work on the mental aspect more. Sometimes, I have to be able to focus more on what I have to get done.”

She could have resolved that issue. Sheldon began a kick boxing and jujitsu program in May.

“It helps with my overall concentration,” said Sheldon about the programs. “It also has helped me with endurance and has kept me flexible. I can see and notice a difference.”

Sheldon runs the 800, 1,600, and 3,200 along with being a member of 3,200 relay on the track team to keep her sharp throughout the year.

She plans to attend East Stroudsburg University next fall to pursue a degree in Criminal Law and Justice.

Running, though, will still be on her radar.

“I plan to keep running after high school,” she said. “It really has helped me adjust to everything that I do.”