Running Beyond Limits

As the cross country season starts to come to a close for many East runners after the team recently competed in state on November 1, a handful of strong varsity runners continue their training to compete in the Nike Cross National competition (NXR) in Arizona on November 22.

NXR is a postseason cross country championship race hosted by Nike for high school students. The event is split up into eight different races organized by regions: Midwest, Northwest, Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, New York, and South. The top five performing individuals and top two teams for each of these races are then selected to compete in NXN (Nike Cross Nationals) which is a race between all the best participants from all eight regions. Last year, East cross country runner and 2025 graduate Rosie Mucharsky finished as an All American at NXN, meaning she was a top finisher at the national race and was recognized for being one of the top high school cross country runners in the nation.

Since the race is at sea level, Colorado racers have an advantage. Altitude runners are able to run around 8-10 seconds faster than usual speed because more oxygen is available which can be carried to the muscles. Although this seems like a strong advantage, East will be competing in the southwest region race against other mountain states like Utah who also have strong experience with hill and altitude training. The NXR race track is located on a golf course that is flat with minimal hills and racers will be running 3.1 miles just like any other cross country race. Unlike the NXR course, the state cross country course is filled with hills and is made of dirt and gravel. It has a 200 feet elevation gain and times are typically slower by around 40 seconds at state then they are at NXR. Junior cross country runner Emery Wagner talked about the effects of the different courses: “Last year my time at NXR was 30 seconds faster than it was at state, and I usually tie or come close to my personal best at NXR. I think this is due to the sea level and how the course is made up of flat grass.”

East runners who are selected for the race participate in three weeks of post season training that focuses on strengthening speed and endurance. East junior Lola Carhart explained what the preparation for the race looks like: “We do speed workouts like 400 and 800 repeats (on the track) and incorporate endurance workouts like long runs and tempos…it’s stressful and the training is a lot but it’s a really fun experience.” Emery Wagner voiced a different opinion about the race. “The training can be depressing because it’s cold and dark. My legs tend to hurt because I am burnt out from the season but it normally is worth it after the race because I end up running a time I am proud of.”

Unfortunately the boys team does not have a chance to qualify for NXN because of overall times from this past season. The girls team is unlikely to qualify for NXN but still have a chance. After a long season, East runners are finishing off strong with intense post-season training and have dedicated extra time to perform well in Arizona. After six months of training after November 22 East runners will get their deserved break.

East Cross Country team