Cross Country running has always been a passion of mine. Over the past few months, I participated in three cross country runs, each challenging me in unique ways. My primary goal was to improve my endurance and speed, pushing myself to achieve personal bests in each race. Additionally, I aimed to enhance my mental resilience and learn more about my physical capabilities.
LO 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
During my cross country runs, I identified my strength in long-distance running and my ability to maintain a steady pace over extended periods. However, I also recognized my weakness in managing my VO2 max, especially in humid conditions. Being aware of these strengths and weaknesses has given me a clearer understanding of where I need to focus my training. Knowing our strengths helps us leverage them effectively, while understanding our weaknesses allows us to improve and become more well-rounded individuals. I have started incorporating more interval training and breathing exercises into my routine to overcome this weakness, which I believe will significantly benefit my overall performance in future races.
LO 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
The most challenging aspect of the cross country runs was maintaining my pace in the humid countryside terrain. This was particularly difficult because I had not done much training in such conditions before. To overcome this challenge, I started practicing in similar environments and focused on improving my VO2 max through high-intensity interval training. This experience taught me the importance of adapting my training to the specific demands of the race. I discovered that I have a strong mental resilience, which helped me push through the tough parts of the runs. This skill will be invaluable in future races and other challenging situations in life. Learning new skills is crucial for personal growth and adaptability.
LO 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
The cross country runs were physically demanding, and there were times when I felt like giving up. However, I remained committed to my goal of improving my performance and persevered through the challenges. This required a lot of mental strength and dedication. Showing perseverance and commitment is important because it helps us overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. It also builds character and resilience, which are valuable in all aspects of life.
Final Takeaways
Through cross country running, I developed risk-taking, balance, and reflective learner profile characteristics. This experience enhanced my understanding of physiological aspects of exercise. The highlight was achieving personal bests, reinforcing the importance of mental resilience. This activity encouraged creative and critical thinking, promoting principled behavior and intellectual risk-taking. I plan to apply these learnings to future challenges and contribute to society by organizing community runs, promoting physical fitness and mental health.
