For Xena Leon, running is not just a sport — it’s a passion. When an injury keeps her from competing or training properly, her immediate, quick decisions to step back, get rest and recover show that she is truly dedicated and serious about cross country.
Leon embodies what a persevering, hard working cross country athlete looks like. Students like her can set prime examples of what others on the team should strive to be like.
“I always stretch, roll out, and massage my legs the night before,” said Leon. “It helps my muscles prepare and I’ve noticed it prevents injuries, it also helps with performance.”
Being prepared is a key role to Leon’s success, she says.
“In the morning of the day of, I eat a lighter breakfast that contains carbs and is easy for my body to digest and I drink a cup of coffee with it for a performance boost,” said Leon.
Leon said she follows a specific routine to ensure she is able to give her best performance that day, showing true dedication.
“People are always cheering you on and everyone’s so supportive,” Leon said. “It’s hard to give up because you know the way everyone cheers you on and it’s just like kind of hard to stop because of that.”
Support from Leon’s teammates motivates her to keep going, especially toward the end of a race when she is slowly starting to slow down.
“I’m also in track and I think it definitely helps with running in general, it helps with speed for sure like it helps with stamina,” Leon said.
It also helps with keeping a faster pace, she said.
“I also go on runs during summer,” Leon said. “It’s good since it helps me stay consistent like I’m running all throughout the year.”
Staying consistent is a pivotal part of Leon’s philosophy as a varsity cross country runner. Running all year round is how she stays consistent, said Leon.
“I think the community is like a really important part when it comes to just taking it seriously and trying your best,” said Leon. “During practice I make sure to run with people who push me to do as best as I can and help keep me accountable. I think that also helps a lot.”
