Racing up and down the hills, the NPHS cross country [XC] team sprints each step as they inch towards the finish line. The running season for many student athletes has started up for the year, allowing them to display the hard work they have been putting in since summer. As of recently, the team placed extremely well as a team, placing 6th for both boys and girls varsity at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic, exemplifying the immense time and energy put into their preseason.
Helena Rieckwald-Schmidt, senior, has been participating in competitive running for five years. However, this year she has taken on the position of a team captain.
“I’d say my role is trying to keep the team in a positive mindset. It’s easy to be concerned about weather or workouts or whatever’s on the agenda that day. So, [I just try to convince] everyone that we’re here for each other and we’re gonna get through it, or encouraging people to do what they’re supposed to during practice times,” Rieckwald-Schmidt said.
To some, the differences between cross country and track and field may seem minute, but to Rieckwald-Schmidt, it makes all the difference in her running pace and enjoyment.
“In a [cross country] race, you have three miles to make up for your pace. So, if your first mile is a little slow. You have the second mile to fix that. And the other thing is, you’re getting points. In that way, when you’re running with a team, you have more people to rely on. Where track is more just performance based on an individual and how they do in a single event,” Rieckwald-Schmidt said.
For newcomers, Eli Zasloff, senior, understands that the nerves may be a challenging aspect of the enduring sport as he has competed since he was 8-years-old.
“Don’t be afraid of the racing aspect because we train a lot throughout the summer,” Zasloff said. “I personally think that most of the time where you’re [going to] put the most effort is actually in training, and then in the race you reap the benefits as long as you execute your plan.”
Though the sport takes on a more individual aspect, Zasloff emphasizes the supportive team spirit that surrounds the environment.
”No matter what level, varsity, junior varsity, frosh-soph, the people are on our team… [and] there’s such a good dynamic,” Zasloff said. “Although individuals are racing, the results depend on the team placement and each individual’s placement combined together.”
Like many athletes, Isabella Steiner, senior, recognizes the need for perseverance and mind-body connection in the midst of challenge.
“It can be a really mental sport when you’re faced with a hard workout or a tough race, and to run specific times and speeds [but] the goals that I set for myself, I really want to achieve them. They push me to work harder and overcome the challenges,” Steiner said.
Steiner encourages new and interested students to pursue cross country.
“Don’t give up, and really work through the challenges and push, because in the end, it’ll be worth it if you just push yourself,” Steiner said.
Cross country provides not only a robust and rewarding workout, but also a form of community for new and veteran runners alike.
“My favorite part of cross country is probably just the effort that goes into it. There’s a good community because everyone is in the struggle together. It’s a good vibe,” Rieckwald-Schmidt said.
Leave a Reply