Cross Country and How Running Helps Your Body

Cross country season has finally started up at the Brea Junior High School. While the team is no-cut, it's not made for just anybody. The runners often run two to three miles per practice, up hills, and in the heat. Not only do they run, but they run before school ever even starts! And, at their meets, they have to race far distances, which is insanely challenging for those who may not run all the time.

Many people in today’s day and age despise running, seeing it as unnecessary torture. However, as a fellow runner, that couldn’t be further from the truth. What the school is doing is doing more good for the students’ health than many would initially think.

Studies show that running and other aerobic exercises decrease heart and lung disease risk. Not only does running have a lasting effect on your body, but it also boosts your mood. Getting your heart rate up and even just breaking a slight sweat can make all the difference in your day-to-day life.

“Any type of aerobic exercise has a positive effect on the heart.”

-Dr. Dan Meyer, chief of cardiac transplantation at Baylor Scott & White Health in Dallas.

“By raising our neurotransmitters, exercise really makes a difference in the way we feel, and very importantly, we have control over the way we feel by moving our bodies.”

-Dr. John Ratey, Harvard Medical School associate clinical professor of psychiatry.

Running may seem terrible to most, but if you truly want what is best for your physical and mental health, running would stand as a solid option. If running isn’t for you, there are always sports like swimming, walking, and biking to maintain good health and keep your body moving.

After asking several students about their experience with cross country, I have gained a whole new perspective–not only on running–but on the community as well. How it encourages students to be the best they possibly can. How running boosts moral and mental health. The list goes on and on.

Oliver Handoko, eighth grade, is a new addition to the Brea team.

“Running is really good for your body. It helps keep your blood flowing, keeps you awake and me personally, I’ve found it easier to wake up on days I have cross country, because I really enjoy running.”

Many other students have also found it easier to wake up, go to school, and pay attention. One of them is Dylan Vardiman, an eighth grader who was on the cross country team the year prior, and with the motivation of Otter Pops at the end of the run, he has been crushing practices and races.

“I really enjoyed running, it was really fun and all got very motivated from the Otter Pops that we got at the end of practice.”

Written By: Anastasia Biniasz

Edited By: Kennedy Beshai