What does it mean to run high school cross country? Does it mean simply to have the endurance to run a 5k or a 3.1-mile race? Does it mean being fast or winning? Is it even hard since it is just running? What are the expectations of the sport? Is it even worth it to run cross-country? As a cross-country runner myself, I interviewed a few people from the Dover cross-country team, and here is what some of them said. I agree with much of it, as I am a runner myself.
- Is running cross-country hard? Of all the interviewed athletes, 12 out of 14 agreed cross country is not easier than other sports.
“I am excited to see my friends [at practice] and dread the workout,” said Lyela Miller, a junior and a 5th-year cross country veteran.
She is not alone. Many cross-country athletes agree that running (even at practice) is difficult, let alone in races. It’s hard to imagine running at your best with sweat dripping down your head from the sun beating down on it at midday or running so far that your legs feel like they are going to fail you before the end. Or imagine the adrenaline rush before the race, your heart racing and you’re unsure whether your body can handle this or not.
“[When I think about running] I think of pain,” said Hunter Anslow, a second-year cross country veteran and a freshman in high school. He is being brutally honest. This is very true, but it only makes the perseverance of the runner more noble. Sometimes, even life itself gets hard and painful. It is the endurance of a cross-country runner that helps you get through those parts. It is simply the will to keep moving forward, even when the road ahead seems difficult. As the saying goes ‘when the going gets tough, we get tougher.’
Disclaimer: The pain often felt in running cross country is more of a discomforting pain that most of the time disappears with stretching or typically shortly after running. The coaches will not have anyone run with unbearable pain or an injury.
Secondly, if running is hard, then why are there 26 kids on the Cross Country team this year? 2. What made them decide to do cross country?
“The team. Everyone is cool with everyone. Everyone is friends with everyone, so that makes it a fun experience,” replied Deacon Wise, a freshman on the boys’ team and a third-year cross-country veteran.
“I feel good [about practice] because I can spend time with friends,” confirmed Kyler Roberson, a freshman and a second-year cross-country veteran.
Even though the workouts are hard, they are typically an hour or less. Even the races are less than an hour. The rest of the time during practice or meets is spent with the good people of the team, and that helps when it comes to running. Once it is over the athletes get to socialize and have a good time.
“I have met the most awesome and understanding people on the team,” commented Lyela Miller.
- What does it mean to be part of the Dover Cross Country Team? Both athletes and coaches unanimously confirmed that it has a lot to do with Dover’s core values: respect, responsibility, and integrity.
Coaches Mr. and Mrs. Mckee both agree, “We respect ourselves and our teammates by understanding that each runner is valued and working hard.”
“It’s about being a good teammate,” Emmy Daniel said. Emmy Daniel is a senior this year and a 9-year cross-country veteran. That’s impressive!
The coaches continue with responsibility, “We are responsible by showing up for practices and meets, and showing up with our daily choices—healthy eating, adequate sleep and rest, and keeping up on schoolwork—all help us reach our full potential. It’s all about the effort.”
“I feel excited to run. I know I will be getting better,” Sydney Stevenson said. What a way to motivate yourself to run! Motivation is the key to the effort. Sydney is also a senior and a 3rd year cross-country veteran. She is the fastest girl on the team this year, and the team is grateful to have her.
Physical and mental endurance were mentioned as well, which is very true. Sometimes races are more mental than physical, as the athletes are already prepared for the running. They have already prepared themselves to run the race. They just need to keep their head in the game, and they will be fine.
When the athletes were asked, what makes you a cross-country athlete? Here is what they said.
“Being dedicated to the sport. I don’t give up,” declared Cassidy Mckee, a freshman and a nine-year cross-country veteran. You can tell that she has running experience.
“The commitment,” answered Adlee Klaiber, a sophomore and a first-timer in the cross country team this year. She also does cheer, which is impressive! She must be an expert at time management, considering she does 2 fall sports.
“Consistency.” Chase Daniel responded. Chase is a junior this year and is the most experienced cross country runner. He has been doing cross country for 12 years! Talk about commitment. It seems to have benefitted him since he is one of the fastest runners on the team. You don’t normally find someone this committed to a sport.
“Pushing my teammates and getting better each meet,” Sydney Stevenson said.
“Getting to be part of the team.” Nathanael Mason, another first-year runner added. He is a junior and helps run the scoreboard at soccer home games.
The coaches talk about the final value: “Integrity is a part of the trust that we have that everyone is giving their best efforts to be a competitive athlete and supportive teammate.”
“It’s like a family. We uplift each other. It doesn’t matter how good you are,” Emmy Daniel agreed.
“You set the pace,” Nathanael Mason added.
- How is running beneficial? Here are some of the answers from the team:
“It’s all about personal growth. It is the most rewarding experience to see each runner gain strength and confidence,” said Mr. and Mrs. Mckee.
“Running helps me cope with difficult emotions, and it holds a special place in my heart,” replied Lyela Miller.
“Yes, I run to get personally better,” confirmed Chase Daniel.
In the end, it seems both being on the team and running are beneficial and motivational. Whether it’s the group’s environment or the running’s physical benefits, it seems that cross country is worth the while.
While no one usually mentions it, cross country is unique because both the boys and girls practice together. They don’t often run, race, or warm up together, they don’t have completely separate practices like most other sports. This makes the sport feel more welcoming for people of all types, as anyone can run. Boys and girls do the sport together, not separate, which says something. No one has to feel weird or out of place. As the slowest runner in the entire team, no one makes me feel out of place because I’m slow. Everyone runs at their own pace.
If anyone wishes to join the Cross Country team next year contact Mr. and Mrs.Mckee.
