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Since the beginning of the summer, the NS cross country has been training for the 2024 season by meeting up to three times a week. So far this season, their training has been successful.
“We have different levels of mileage that we are trying to achieve,” coach Bill Bedford said. “It could be pretty modest or it could be more aggressive in terms of how many miles they get each week.”
Cross country is a sport where you need to have a consistent amount of running every day. Before the season gets started is an especially important time for the athletes to prepare their bodies. During this time they focus on building speed and endurance.
“It is based on the finishing pace of the top five runners to have a good team,” Bedford said, “not just one or two superstars, but to have a group of about five good runners or even seven. In cross country your score is based on the top five runners.”
While it is essential to have a whole team of good runners for the team to be successful, there are still some standout runners, including freshman Tyrik Cook.
“I have a plan to break the school record by my junior year and go to practice and work hard,” Cook said.
This year’s season has gone good so far for the team. They had a race in Carbon on Sept. 18 and were all hoping that they could all run a new personal record.
“We do steady runs – we have lots of speed workouts,”said Cook.
The runners have come up with interesting ways to fuel their bodies. Cook eats an energy gel at least an hour before the race. Sophomore Oakley Sederquist eats treats.
“I eat a box of little Debbies,” Sederquist said, “play my race day music, and watch Top Gear.”
With running it can be hard to stay motivated especially when you are on a hard course.
“I think, ‘wow, nobody else in the school can do this,” Sederquist said, “‘I am just a jock o’clock.’”
When running, it can also be hard to control your breathing.
“Running every day builds breathing stamina and with time it becomes very easy to breathe,” said Cook.
Cook wants to get a scholarship for running. In order to do this he says he needs someone that will push him and knows how he can achieve his goals.
“I really like my coaches,” Cook said. “They have lots of experience and I can trust them.”
Coach Bedford works to help every student succeed and wants the team to represent the school well.
“I want everyone to be competitive in their region and help everyone perform at their best,” said Bedford. “I am not just in it for fun even though that is important. I also want a team that reflects well on the school.”
