In this CAS experience, I had an opportunity to engage in an annual Cross Country Run in my school, where people were motivated to exercise, get fit and show the community spirit. The CAS strand here is Activity. The event was divided into three parts where one of the races was 5 km race and the other two were 3 km races, which were conducted on different days. I opted to attend all three of them, and I was pushing myself to be more consistent and to become better with the number of runs. In this experience I showed LO3 -Initiate and plan a CAS experience and LO4 -Show perseverance and commitment in a CAS experience, and the Balanced learner profile attribute, as well as SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

LO3 – Initiate and plan a CAS experience

To train, I made a training program consisting of jogging, stretching, and sprinting on the regular basis to train the endurance and speed. I was also keen to good nutrition, hydration, and rest as I understood that good health is the key to the best performance – a direct result of SDG 3. The task of balancing between training and my academic duties helped me to become more efficient in time management and organization. I found myself making the initiative to plan and keep a track of my progress and this helped me to be focused and motivated during the preparation period.

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience

It took endurance and dedication to participate in all the three races. I felt tired and sore after each of the runs yet still willing to take part in the next event and do better. The two 3 km races and the 5 km run were tests of my endurance levels and speed and consistency respectively. The three events helped me to become more resilient and I learned that discipline and persistence are the main factors that will enable me to accomplish my personal objectives.

The experience helped me to become a more Balanced person by learning to balance physical health and being academically focused. Working out and training regularly boosted my health and corresponded to SDG 3, which should not be lost in the importance of good health as a productive and happy person. The Cross Country Run, in general, was a rewarding experience that encouraged balance, endurance and long-term wellness.