What Cross Country Taught Me About Resilience

When I first entered high school, I was forced into cross country. I loved tennis, but I wasn’t good enough to continue it competitively. Running for the sake of running had never appealed to me—I preferred hiking, climbing, and being outdoors, but racing was a completely different world.

My first experiences were brutal. I was among the slowest runners, struggling with stitches, sore legs, and the burning in my throat. Every practice and race felt like punishment. Yet, I didn’t quit. In cross country, there’s no way out once you’re halfway through a race—whether it’s a steep hill, rocky trail, or blistering sun. You can slow down, but eventually you must reach the finish line. That mindset—no matter what, I will finish—kept me going.

I admired my teammates who seemed to run so gracefully, finishing strong and celebrating new personal bests. Over time, I realized their joy came not just from the times they clocked but from the team itself—the encouragement, the shared struggle, the community.

I wasn’t a natural runner, but I learned persistence. I ran daily after homework, through rain and sore muscles, pushing myself a little farther each time. By the end of my first season, I had moved from the bottom of the team to the middle—not a dramatic triumph, but a quiet personal victory built on discipline.

One race in particular still stands out. Halfway up a steep hill, I saw a teammate struggling. I could have pushed past him, but instead I ran alongside, offering encouragement until we both reached the top. That moment captured what cross country came to mean for me: yes, the discipline to endure my own pain, but also the willingness to support others through theirs.

By junior year, I became the manager for the freshmen cross country team. I think it’s because I’m known for being helpful and having good relationships with my teammates. I might not be the fastest runner, but cross country taught me something more important—resilience, teamwork, and the value of showing up for others.