Two runners, Alexa Sanchez and Adrian Cortinas reflect on their goals and experiences as part of their school’s cross-country team. During the season, both runners have aimed to improve their times at Montgomery Hill, where most of their races are held. They give insight into what it’s like to be a part of the team, the motivation and support they give, the mindset they initially had when starting the sport, and how cross country has pushed them to become better students and athletes.
Coach Shaun Fought shows appreciation to these runners for being great team motivators, bringing a positive outlook to the team, and being role models for hard work and determination.
Team support and motivation are crucial before the races. Not only does this help conquer personal goals, but it also helps with nerves throughout the race. Cortinas mentions how it helps push him to achieve his goal and calm his nerves during game day.
“They mostly motivate us by just, you know, calming us down and, like, just saying stuff on the run, which, which does motivate us. It really pushes. It really pushes us.”
Cortinas began running cross country in the 7th grade to help manage his asthma. He shares that as he competes in races, he finds motivation in the encouraging words of his teammates who help one another and continue to push forward. Staying calm before the race is crucial, and his team plays a significant role in helping him achieve this.
Sanchez on the other hand, has endured after-race pain and with the help of her closest teammates, has overcome these struggles by being able to use the tips she is given. It’s extremely common for new runners to get injuries such as shin splints, muscle strains, aches, and more. This is usually a setback for most teams since a majority of runners are out resting and recovering if not stretching and warming up properly, but Alexa highlights the importance of the support she receives from her teammates:
“The people I’m closest with [on] the team always tell me how to relieve, like any pain I have after races and soreness like they always give me tips to improve and get better if I need it.”
Fortunately, both runners haven’t had any major injuries but a lot of soreness. Alexa mentions that she overcomes this by using cold compresses and a lot of stretching. In addition to this, the mindset of both runners has helped them meet their goals for this season such as improving their time and testing new sports to see if it’s to their liking.
As the season goes on, training outside of practice can help improve one’s form and other areas. Although Sanchez doesn’t practice outside of school due to her schedule, she would definitely consider it. Cortinas enjoys going to Montgomery Hill not only for his training, due to the high hills that they encounter during the races, but also to walk with his parents to watch the beautiful sunset.
Apart from their focus on being athletes, cross country also helps them academically. Both runners share that the sport supports their academics such as being able to manage their time and find space to get homework done and pushing their academic limits. Cortinas says that while he’s pushing his limits when running, he also likes to challenge himself academically. While Sanchez finds new ways to manage her time and other academic responsibilities she has.
The experiences of Adrian Cortinas and Alexa Sanchez illustrate how being a part of the cross-country team goes beyond improving their athletic performance. Their journeys highlight the importance of teamwork, mutual support, and personal growth, both on and off the track. The dynamics of their team not only show resilience and determination but also shape valuable life skills, such as time management and coping with challenges.
“Our team camaraderie is special. We have a very supportive, encouraging, and understanding group of athletes both on the race course and in school,” Coach Shaun adds, “Adrian and Alexa in particular are great team motivators, bring a positive outlook, and are role models for hard work and determination.”
