by: Zitzi Uvera-Castro

Is cross country running us crazy?

How much can a sport affect a teens’ mental health? Does the end of the season cause distress or relief?

Personally, I found the start of the cross country season to be a little overwhelming, just because it was my first time doing cross country. I was nervous I wouldnt last as much as the other runners, because they might’ve had more experience or training. That feeling went away soon, because I had people I knew within the team, I got to know the team, and I got more comfortable with the coaches. 

I had the opportunity to ask other members of North Springs High School’s cross country team some questions.  Cross country is a running sport in which a team of runners compete with other teams in fields of dirt or grass for a place in state, regional and area. This season started last August and ended Nov. 4.

Samantha Jefferson, a freshman on varsity, said, “The start of the season was really hard, I was really tired.” Samantha explained how she felt overwhelmed throughout the start of the season but later got more comfortable and opened up. She plans on running next year and felt gloomy after the season ended. Although the season may have not started perfectly, she said it had no effect on her mental state. 

Livia Santos, another freshman on varsity, found the season to have positively improved her mental health. She said, “because now I can … manage … my time and activities well, [and]  it helped me get a lot of things out of mind.” Santos also expressed how she is grateful for cross country because of how it made her realize she can do a lot more than she thought she could, and said she misses her friends and the season.

I think joining the team was one of the best decisions I made, even though I complained and joked about quitting. I loved the people I met and the new friendships I gained. I’m extremely grateful for the season and wish to do it again.