Wouldn’t it be nice if you could achieve greatness in your favorite sport? After all, there is always room for improvement. I can give you a solution for being the best on the court or field. Cross country is, both physically and mentally, the greatest sport for you.

It is proven that running eliminates depression and helps you sleep deeper and better. According to author Unique Cheon, “Within a few minutes of running, the brain begins to release endorphins that naturally improve mood, leaving runners energized and happier”. Wouldn’t you want to do something that is healthy and will make you happy? Sometimes people don’t continue doing sports once high school begins because of the time commitment. It can be difficult to juggle sports and school. It causes stress and deep, negative emotions. With cross country, that is not the case. Practices are short and only last a little over an hour. Meets are also very short and are usually only around an hour. This ensures plenty of time for homework and studying, and even time to relax after school.

There are many physical benefits as well. Cross country is a difficult sport. It requires a lot of hard work and effort, but it is definitely worth it. Long distance running has a lot of benefits such as decreasing your chance of stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis. Running is also very beneficial for your cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It makes your heart very strong and your lungs more efficient. And, of course, running makes your legs very strong. After a season of cross country, you feel like you can do anything. Cross country complements other sports well. For example, basketball players who did cross country before basketball season are already ahead of the game. They are able to move up and down the court much easier and even jump higher.  Wrestlers, cross-country helps you lose weight and stay in shape. Cross country can even benefit baseball and softball players because it also helps them stay in better shape. Track athletes definitely benefit from cross country. They are ahead of their competitors who didn’t do any running all fall or winter. 

After running cross country, you will be in the best shape of your life and things that were previously difficult, won’t feel as hard anymore. The Township Journal states, “Participation on a cross country team serves as testament to an athlete’s physical and mental fortitude”. Fortitude is grit, determination, bravery, and strength all in one.  

There are also many famous athletes who were once cross country runners such as the famous NBA player, Wilt Chamberlain; the Houston Astros’ shortstop, Jeremy Peña; Indiana Pacers’ lead scorer in the 1999-2000 season, Jalen Rose; and, probably the most well-known, the retired New York Yankee, Derek Jeter.

Cross country is a great sport that has many benefits. If you know someone who isn’t playing a fall sport, recommend cross country to them. It definitely isn’t a waste of anyone’s time.