By: Teresa Limón
In-season practices have been strong for the LHS Cross Country runners. They worked on building a solid foundation with long runs and introducing race-specific work like tempo runs and speed training. They also started to prepare for specific race conditions, like hills, to make sure they were ready for competitions. Expectations for the team are to continue growing, both in terms of performance and as a cohesive unit. Coach Brianna Stewart wants to see the LHS runners pushing themselves to their potential and staying focused on improving each week.
Coach Stewart is excited for her first year of coaching. “We have a great mix of beginner and intermediate runners showing great dedication and progress. It's exciting to see them develop as athletes and individuals, learning the value of hard work,” she said. Cross country can teach students leadership and perseverance, the same values teachers are teaching.
LHS runners focused on staying active during the off-season. Some participated in summer training sessions, while others maintained their endurance through cardio and strength training. The goal is to keep the runners in shape and ready to hit the ground running at the start of the season. Coach Stewart’s most memorable moments will be seeing her athletes reach personal milestones and hit PR times. “Those moments when they realize what they’re capable of, are unforgettable.”