The Importance Of Running In A Cross Country

Throughout my high school years, my cross country coach has always told me, “running is a mental sport, which is why it is so tough.” This saying stuck with me throughout my junior year of high school, especially after the cross country season. I have a love/hate relationship with cross country, but it 's shaped who I am today. Running is pain, plain and simple, that is what everyone runner goes through during every race. It took me a short time to come to terms with that fact. That is not to say I do not hate being in pain, but it has also helped me to become stronger.

Last year during my cross country season, I had a stress fracture in my left leg throughout most of the season. Unfortunately, I did not become aware of this fact until the end of the season, at which my doctor had me put in a cast. The constant pressure on the stress fracture caused it to break further, almost resulting in a completely broken leg. The doctor told me that I would have the cast for a minimum of six weeks. I remember the doctor asking me if I had noticed the fracture because it should have hurt a lot. As well as her telling me that I be mindful when things start hurting because this incident could have been avoided.

That I was mad at myself for ignoring the pain, for trying to push past it, which resulted in my needing a cast. Something always hurts during a race, my lungs, my arms, my shins, or my knee. It made it even worse, however, when I missed the championship of cross country and the trip to Federations, knowing that it was partially my fault. I made a countdown for my cast, spending my days wishing it would come off sooner, and appreciating the fact that it was not permanent. All of these things brought me to a realization that will be with me, throughout the rest of my