Meet Claire. She’s a cross country runner. She’s only fourteen but she has got a lot of experience. Listen to her answering questions about her races and watch other runners practice. 

Do you know what’s in my head when I run? So, let me take you on a cross country run, but don’t worry, you don’t have to run. Just try to think about how I feel when I run and what thoughts are in my mind when I take part in cross country running.

What do you feel before the race starts?

Before the start of the race, I have butterflies in my stomach and I think about strange things such as what if I’m hungry, or are my cross country spikes tied well?

Then I hear the shot. I start running really fast. At the beginning of the race, it’s difficult because there are a lot of runners.

What happens next? 

There’s mud everywhere, in your shoes and on your legs. Then I think about what my coach says, focus on the run, and try to be in the front. When I run, I’m not nervous because I know I’m well prepared.

What is the most difficult part for you?

Now comes the hill, yes, there are always hills on the way. It’s the hardest part for me, but I know I have to do it. One good tip is to think positively and work hard all the way to the top. When I run up I feel tired, the wind is blowing, and there are a lot of thoughts in my head. 

Then finally I run down, I look around, and see beautiful nature.

How do you feel when you run down? 

I feel relaxed. I keep running and think about the race. Then I see other cross country runners and think that they are better than me, but I know I can’t give up. 

While running through the woodlands I hear my family shouting: Come on! You can do it! Keep running! It’s great motivation. I know I’m tired, but I also know I have to finish the race.

Finally, I cross the finish line, I feel great! 

Do you always win?

Sometimes I don’t win but I’m happy because it’s not always about winning.

I know I was well prepared and that I finished the race and that’s the most important thing for me. 

Thank you Claire for telling us about your passion. 

Thank you.