Why do KIS runners run?
Jayden Yoon Running
Why? Just why would anyone be outside in 32ºC heat under the scorching sun, let alone run multiple kilometers? As a runner in the KIS Cross Country team, I asked myself that very question, to which I couldn’t give a definitive answer. So I decided to ask other KIS cross country runners why, even with the aching back, shin splints, three upcoming tests, and two projects, they choose to devote eight hours of their week running.
Raymond Kim is a junior, and an experienced runner. This season is his third cross country season, and he is also a runner in the KIS Track and Field team in the spring season. He takes running seriously, and his current fastest record for running five kilometers is 18 minutes 43 seconds. That’s running 16 km/h for 18 minutes straight. Why does Raymond run?
For Raymond, one of the biggest motivating factors for running is the competition. After all, cross country is just another sport, and is not without its own bit of competition. “Whether it’s between teammates or against other school runners, being better than them brings me joy,” says Raymond.
Another reason why Raymond runs is because of the XC community here at KIS. Runners from all four grade levels form a tight-knit community and support each other whenever and wherever they can—during practice, before a race, during a race, you name it. “Just the fact that a group of friends have the opportunity to meet after school four days a week for two hours is very enjoyable,” Raymond said. “No need to think about who’s coming, where to meet, when to meet, or what to do together.”
Others have other reasons for running cross country. Michelle Kim, another junior who has been in cross country for three years, wants to improve her fitness through running. As running works out the biggest muscles in the body (glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, etc.), joining cross country and exercising for 8 hours a week helps with pretty much everything. “I want to get better cardio to become a more active individual!” Michelle says.
But not only can cross country improve one’s physical fitness, it can also help develop other, less tangible things. One example is self-discipline. One of the reasons why cross country is such a hard sport is that a runner can stop at any time they want. For other sports, athletes are forced to make the move. If it’s a soccer game, you have teammates you can pass the ball to. For a tennis match, your immediate goal is to return the tennis ball. In a swimming lane, you are forced to at least go to the end as you would drown if you stopped. But for running, at any point during a race, it takes nothing to stop running and surrender to the pain. Building that mental fortitude is as important and difficult as building muscles for running.
There you have it. Underneath the pained expressions and limping legs, KIS runners keep on running for competition, social connections, and self-improvement. Perhaps next time you see a KIS runner (or any runner in particular), keep in mind that yes, we are running in our own will, and maybe you should too.