By Lily Mitchell
Executive Sports Editor
Senior Anna Chittenden qualified and competed in the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) in Portland,Oregon on Dec. 3. Chittenden, who was among the top five fastest cross country runners in California who were chosen to compete, ran the NXN 5K in 18:31.
Chittenden joined the cross country team her freshman year; however, when the pandemic hit in 2020, it took her some time to adjust to being away from the team. According to Chittenden, it was hard without her teammates or coaches there to motivate her, but eventually she started running consistently by herself.
“During lockdown, there was no season to train for, and my coach would send out a weekly mileage plan just hoping we would do it,” Chittenden said. “However, I soon found that running was not only a nice escape from Zoom, but it also gave me a challenge and a purpose to push myself. I would listen to music or audiobooks and just enjoy the time I had outside.”
During the 2022 season, Mira Costa cross country placed third in CIF Southern Section finals, qualifying for state and placing ninth. Chittenden, however, placed second in state individually, ultimately qualifying for NXN. NXN is an invitational cross country meet that serves as one of the main national championships of U.S. high school cross country teams and individual runners. Only the top two teams, top five fastest girls, and top five fastest boys from each state qualify. Chittenden went into NXN as the third fastest girl representing California.
“Although I did not get to go with my team, I still had a lot of fun at NXN,” Chittenden said. “I met high school runners like me from all around the country, got free Nike gear, and even got to meet some Olympians like Grant Fisher and Sinclaire Johnson. The race was a lot of fun, and I was grateful for the opportunity to be one of the five girls representing California.”
NXN is a 5K held by Nike in Portland, and Chittenden completed the race in 18:31. According to Chittenden, the racing conditions were different than she’s used to, as it was very muddy and cold.
“Nike pays for the whole trip: your flight, hotel, and gear, which is really cool. All the participants are in one hotel together, so you get to meet a lot of cool people,” Chittenden said. “I think state was probably my best time, 17:32, but NXN is a harder course, so you normally go slower.”
According to Chittenden, she has established many good friendships during her four years and is thankful for the dedication the coaches have put into the team.
“Our team definitely has a variety of people,” Chittenden said. “From inspiring, to dedicated, to considerate, to downright funny, MCXC has it all. I’ve met some truly great people through Costa cross country and am grateful for our amazing coaches Renee, Annie, Kiley, and Lisa.”
According to Chittenden, running has taught her what it feels like to have a passion. Grateful for all the opportunities she has received while being a part of Costa’s cross country team, Chittenden plans on furthering her cross country and track career at Princeton University in fall 2023.
“I learned that in all aspects of life, I love to challenge myself and others, and running is one of the simplest ways to do that,” Chittenden said. “I’m always striving for another personal record or encouraging my teammates to achieve their own. MCXC has not only taught me how to be a faster runner, but a better person and leader.”
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