Imagine being at a golf tournament and hearing the gallery shout out advice like “Cup your wrist!” or “Rotate through!” during Jordan Spieth’s backswing.

That’s par for the course during a cross country race, where spectators crowd close to the runners, cheer enthusiastically, and sometimes offer tips like “Take deep breaths” or “Only one last hill!”

We’ve always wanted to know what top-flight runners think of all that advice. So, right before they headed onto the course for the NESCAC Women’s Cross Country Championship on Oct. 28, we asked a few Bobcat runners their thoughts about a few choice cheers.

The Bates men and women return to action on Saturday, Nov. 11, for the NCAA New England Regional Championships at the University of Southern Maine.