Audrey Williams
Staff Writer
Freshman Xavier Court has been tearing up the trails on the Varsity Cross Country team, setting personal records and beating different times of past runners.
Court started running cross country when he was 12 years old. He also was part of the cross country program at Manhattan Beach Middle School and ran 5ks and 10ks. But now he says he has taken his running more seriously at Costa.
“I noticed that there were a variety of running clubs I could join which could help me improve my 5k and 10k times,” Court said. “I also wanted to get some assistance from other runners and figure which training methods work best for me. Now that I run on the team, I know what training methods work best”
Costa’s team runs every week day and occasionally on Saturday morning. All of these runs add up to an average of 50 to 60 miles a week. This training is to prepare for different meets throughout the season.
“Cross country has helped me improve because I was with a team of runners who were faster than me,” Court said. “They encouraged me to keep up with them so I could improve. With a team it is easier to motivate myself compared to when I was running on my own.”
Court currently runs with the varsity team.
“The benefits on varsity is that running with a faster paced group makes me run faster than I would by myself,” Court said. “Varsity also trains harder than froshsoph which I like because I enjoy pushing myself.”
Court had his best performance at the Woodbridge Invitational so far this cross country season. He set his personal record for 3 miles at 15:31, averaging 5:10 each mile. One of Court’s favorite parts of cross country is going to different races and he likes to compete against other schools.
“Races build up my competitiveness which I enjoy taking out on other rival runners,” Court said. “The competition is fierce and there is a huge variety of runners. The three mile is my favorite because it seems to be over quickly but long enough to make me sore the next day.”
Court likes to challenge himself and those around him. He believes that he brings a sense of encouragement and competitiveness to his team.
“I always encourage guys to push themselves,” Court said. “ I tell my teammates that all the hard work they do now will pay off later at important meets. They encourage me to do the same.”
Professional running blog, runAddicts.net, claims that running is not only physically beneficial but is also an asset to your mental health. Court uses these benefits to running to his advantage.
“Running relieves my stress, keeps me healthy, clears my mind, and I am good at it,” Court said. “I also have developed more endurance and stronger muscles.”
Court hopes to finish off the season strong with a new personal record and as an asset to the team. He hopes to continue running the rest of his time at Costa.
“During my years at Costa, I expect my team and myself to improve,” Court said. “I hope to break many school records during my time at Costa and leave my mark on the cross country team.”
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