XC stands for Cross-Country
Cross-country running is a sport in which teams and individuals run over natural terrain such as grass, gravel paths, hills and forest trails. In Ontario high schools, anyone can compete in cross-country, which usually takes place during the fall through (almost) all weather conditions. It is both an individual AND a team sport. Runners are individually judged by their times and as teams through a simple points-scoring method. The first four runners from each team to cross the finish line receive points that correspond to their place in the standings (eg. 1st place receives 1 point, 2nd place receives 2 points, etc.). The winning team is the one with the lowest total points. More importantly, there are many positive benefits of XC running. Just a couple of hours a week of running (or other exercise) contributes toward higher self-esteem, better mood, mental alertness and an increased ability to learn. (Very handy things to have during high school!) And the perks don't end there. First off, the views in this sport are much more interesting. You also get to do it with a buddy. Or buddies. You don't have to endure 'cuts' like you have in many other sports, so if you want to do it: no one will stop you. And no one, and I mean no one, judges your carbohydrate intake (eg. cookies) after a race. And by being an XC runner, you earn serious 'athlete cred' since this sport is often considered another sport's punishment! Time to lace 'em up... ...because this a sport you were born to do! |
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