This school year, I decided to try something new outside my comfort zone: I decided to join the cross-country team. My main motive for this decision was my lack of cardiovascular endurance. Whether I was exercising or walking up the stairs, I was always out of breath. I wanted to change myself and commit to improving my health and well-being, which led to me joining the cross-country team.

During my time training with the cross country team (4 days a week), running sessions were always tiring, with the coaches pushing us past our limits to ensure we were faster than last time. I set a goal of running 5 kilometers in under 30 minutes. With that being said, I already knew this would be a challenge, and despite knowing so, I felt proud of myself that I had the resolution to join. I also made many new friends in this new community, which made me feel involved. 

Now, running means more to me than just an activity; it represents a mental challenge that fortifies the body. It took lots of willpower to come to every practice to run kilometer after kilometer. Regardless of the harsh weather conditions, we pushed through it together. Integrating this mindset into my daily life has made it significantly easier to do tasks that were once mentally taxing. 

At the end of the season, our team participated in the BPS Fun Run, which consisted of a 3-kilometer run and a 5-kilometer run. I participated in the 5-kilometer event and finished sprinting in the last 200 meters. Ultimately, I accomplished my goal, running a 27-minute 5k during BMAC and making me the “most improved runner” on the team. This shows that the effort I put in was worth it, and I am proud to consider myself a cross-country runner and a part of the RIS cross-country team.