My daughter started running cross country last fall to condition for soccer in the spring, but she didn’t realize she would learn to enjoy running. Not only is she running cross country she is also playing travel soccer and is very involved this school year. I thought this season was going to be too much for her, but she insisted on doing it all. I am happy to say she will be going to lower state this year at Newberry College for cross country.
She has increased her time by 3 minutes since last season which is very impressive. My daughter suffers from asthma so I wasn’t sure how cross country would work out for her, nor if she would be able to decrease her time enough to compete in state. She said she doesn’t want to run in college, but I told her if she gets an offer for a scholarship she will run cross country in college.
At each cross country meet the runners have to complete three miles. They are not required to run the entire three miles, but it is highly encouraged if they want a chance to place in the top ten. Each school has a different course and it could be a trail through the woods to running up an incline with sand and rocks.
I explained to my daughter running is something she can do for the rest of her life as a way of life to stay healthy and active. Not everyone has the stamina and discipline to run, but those that choose to run as a hobby live a healthier life. Unfortunately, everyone is not able to run due to injuries, but if you are able to should give it a try.
Last year when my daughter began running cross country I would take her to her practices and walk the path. Unfortunately, I was not able to run due to other medical problems, but I would walk two miles four days a week.
