Everyone knows what cross country is, but for one reason or another, it seems to remain a sport without much fanfare. From the outside, it seems like such a hard or even boring sport, but have you ever wondered what else there is to cross country? Why people do it?
“20:45, those numbers pulsating in my head, 20:45. During the 2022 cross country season, this was my personal record. Standing on the starting line, my breath trembling, I waited for the gun to shoot. Bang. I started too fast; my breathing too slow.”
EC cross country runners were interviewed to find out, what they wish people knew about cross country.
Colby Jensen, a sophomore at EC, has been running cross country for 2 years. Jensen hasn’t had an easy road. He’s suffered 2 concussions, sprained his ankle, and even broke his arm last year wrestling. This didn’t stop Colby; he is still up and running.
“6:30 1st mile, 30 slower than last year. My morale was high taking the first mile, it all changed when I saw the second. The hill kept climbing, runners walking, the only thing I could hear was each breath and struggle. When I hit the top, my morale came back as I passed multiple runners downhill. Then I saw it again, impending doom, another hill. I slowed down in fright as others passed me. I looked at their faces, pain. I then realized it was much more discipline than anything else. I took off, pain every, head to toe. Aching headache from heat, lungs from dust, legs from injury.”
Jensen’s mental battle was hard fought, as any cross-country runner knows. But how does the start of the race compare to the end, as far as mental preparation goes?
“I finished the race with 21:50. 1:05 slower than my personal record. I told myself after the race I could have run faster, better. Cross country is a physical and mental game which affects you in and out. You must be disciplined.”
Cross country is not just about running, you must have the mentality of mind to keep running. It helps you grow as a human by giving you discipline. While you run you are not only working out, but you also clear your mind.”
You must believe in yourself, and cross country helps you push your goals. So not only is XC a great way to stay in shape, but it can also make you a stronger, more confident individual.
“Apart from keeping you in shape it helps with mental health. It reduces stress and after a run you feel better about yourself, because you pushed yourself through it and were able to achieve this goal you had.”
EC sophomore Kylie Minero switched over to cross country and hasn’t looked back since.
“After I quit gymnastics, I wanted to try something new, I got to know Mr. Ritter, who is both EC’s cross country and track coach, last year and decided to give cross country a try.”
But it wasn’t just the sport that drew her in; it was the people.
“Cross country also has a great community, and I think people only focus on the fact that running sucks and not that you’re running together and that creates a really fun environment even if you’re in pain. Having such a big community running with you makes you feel not so alone.”
Credit: Eastside Catholic
Featured Image Credit: Eastside Catholic
