Entering the grounds for a cross-country race, it’s easy to notice the massive herd of athletes under the sweltering heat, the restless sound of panting from warm-ups, and the occasional runner throwing up on the side. Yikes is probably the first thing that passes through your mind. Why would anybody want to endure three miles — at least 20-30 minutes for the average runner — of pure pain? Are the sensations of aching legs, sore glutes, blistering feet, and burning chests enjoyable for these apparent sadists?
From the outside, cross country may seem like an exercise in agony. But talk to the athletes, and a different story emerges – a story about perseverance, community, and finding joy in discomfort.
For some runners, the sport is not just about pushing physical limits but also about creating mental space. “I feel so much joy running alongside my friends. But I also feel a sense of independence,” says Julianna Cullers '27, who has been running cross country since middle school. “It’s my time to let go of what’s going on in my life and just focus on taking one step at a time.”
Cullers admits that running is difficult, and the soreness after a race is real. But for her, that’s part of the draw: “It will hurt, but that’s how you know you love it. If you love it, you’ll put your time into it, and in the end, you’ll get the results you hope for.”
Coach Driscoll, who leads the Stevenson cross-country team, agrees. “Everything we want in life is on the other side of discomfort. XC gives athletes the opportunity to practice becoming comfortable with discomfort. It teaches us to tolerate it, maybe even crave it.” This mindset shift, according to Driscoll, can be a "superpower."
Coach Colby also sees beauty in the challenge: “The harder the goal, the sweeter the satisfaction. There’s no way to lie to yourself about what you ran or how fast — you know you’ve earned that sense of accomplishment.” He adds, with a smile, “If you ever want to negotiate with me about grades or due dates, find me after a run — I’m always pretty happy.”
The mental benefits of running don’t stop with the coaches. Landyn Martin '27, another team member, finds in cross country not just an outlet for her love of running, but a pathway to mental clarity: “On runs, it clears my mind and allows me to focus on goals,” she says. After a race, the feeling of accomplishment outweighs the physical toll: “I’ve experienced a runner’s high — strong feelings of happiness, gratitude, and accomplishment. It ranges from tears of joy to feeling like I can take on anything.”
Ale De Leo '25 echoes this sentiment. For him, running offers peace: “Some people will love running for its peacefulness, others for its competitive side. Some might hate running at first but then find something they enjoy. Its beauty is in its versatility.”
More than just an individual pursuit, cross country is deeply rooted in community. De Leo reflects on the tight-knit bond among the boys' team: “During a race or a hard workout, there will always be some guys cheering you on. There is something special that running does for a group of people. You see your teammates improve over several years, and it creates a real sense of camaraderie.”
This sense of connection is one of the most rewarding aspects for Coach Colby as well. He recalls a memorable day at practice: “We were up on the track: sunny, warm afternoon, breeze off the ocean. Afterward, the boys were tired and happy, joking with each other about who struggled, who’s getting fast, what’s for dinner. These warm afternoons seem to forestall autumn and hold back a world of responsibilities. This is the good stuff, and sometimes my role as a coach is just to help kids realize that.”
The team environment allows athletes to push each other while also growing personally. “Being able to see me and my friends grow, not just as runners but as people, is the most rewarding part,” says Cullers. Coach Driscoll adds, “Running is a team sport that can feel very individual. Much like life, we all must walk—or run—our own path, but the journey is so much more meaningful when we run it with people by our side.”
For anyone on the fence about joining cross country, the advice from these runners and coaches is simple: go for it. “Running is an excellent opportunity to get out of our ‘thinking mind’ and in touch with our body,” says Driscoll. “The only run you’ll ever regret is the one you didn’t do.”
At its core, cross country is more than just a sport. It’s a journey of self-discovery, a lesson in perseverance, and a community where everyone is pushing each other to be their best. As Cullers puts it, “There are so many lessons you can take away from running. All you have to do is pay attention to your course—and that applies to life, too.”
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