Multiple wins, runner improvement, and a growing community have made the 2025 cross country season one of the best for Interlake.
Thus far, the team has competed in a variety of races: multiple 5ks (including a Bellevue Invitational), a 4k, and a 2.1-mile jamboree. Cross country girls won in a hilly 5k at Seward park (300 + feet of elevation), boys JV won in a 4k against Cedarcrest, and the whole team won in a 5k race against Evergreen.
“This season has been great so far,” says Coach Michaela, the team’s former parent representative. “The numbers are the best we have had in the past 5 years… [Back then] we didn’t even have enough girls participating to score as a team. This year, we have enough to field both varsity and JV teams for both boys and girls.”
Not only do the coaches recognize the team’s amazing achievements, but so do the athletes themselves. “I feel like our team is so strong this year, especially the girls team and I am so proud of everyone,” says Noam Egozi, a team captain. Sammy Lei, another junior, also mentioned that “the runner retention is highest in years. Many fast freshmen joined the team and we are definitely happy about that.” “We have won some meets despite the fact that our team is so small,” notes freshman Frans Van de Bogert.
“I’ve essentially PR’d at every single race and I’m pushing myself at each workout and increasing my mileage each week,” says Lalita Nanda, a sophomore and one of the team’s (now) many female athletes. She attributes her success to the coaches, explaining that “this year Michaela joined on as a head coach and it’s so cool to see her experience as a marathoner reflect in her coaching. Alex also joined this year and she’s so sweet… She was a college runner and has shared some really fun stories. It’s great to have such good coaches!” Other team members have echoed this sentiment, with Andy Paston, another grade-10 athlete, saying, “our team is doing really well this year, thanks to our three amazing coaches who do a great job training us!”
Despite the high success rates, running can still be a struggle for many on the team. “This sport has definitely proven to… require much commitment and training in order to keep up performance,” says Sammy Lei. “[I’ve] gained 2 minutes onto my time… after taking a break in running due to a busy AP testing season… it is not a really good season for me.” Freshman Frans Van de Bogert further highlights the high time commitment, adding that, “practice every day takes about 2 hours, with warmups usually being around 45 minutes.” Others, like Sammy Lei, emphasized XC’s mental toll: “The nerves on the first few races can be really bad, the anticipation of the pain really hits.” Noam Egozi agrees, adding, “I cry during my races – they’re painful as hell.”
On top of that, multiple athletes have experienced injuries this season, with Egozi recently recovering from a low ankle sprain.. Some, like Andy Paston and Kinsey Wong, are still out. Coach Michaela attributes many of the casualties to the sudden “jump into an intense XC training season”, as well as the lack of weight training. She recommends students “to keep running over the school break, ideally 3-4 times per week,” as well as setting aside “time dedicated to weight training.”
With the high time commitment, demanding workouts, nerves, and possibility of getting injured, why do these XC athletes still choose to simply show up to practice every day?
“On the surface, running looks like self-inflicted torture, and I don’t blame anyone who doesn’t want to get into that. We run because that pain is only temporary but seeing yourself improve is permanent,” explains Andy Paston, concisely summing up the motivation of many runners on the team.
“Despite cross country only lasting the fall season, a lot of us run together year-round by joining track or hosting off-season practices,” says Paston. Pictured above, he demonstrated doing just that on the running track.“I think the effort you put in shows in the results if you’re dedicated, work hard and stay consistent,” echoes Lalita Nanda. “Pushing through the uncomfortable workouts even when you aren’t feeling best is how you truly see and feel the progress.”
While “the thought of personal growth in both health and pain tolerance,” are also one of the main reasons for Sammy Lei’s consistent running, he also emphasizes that, “Cross country has an amazing community.”
“No one is going to bash you because you run slow, because everyone starts somewhere. The coaches are nice, and we get to eat a bunch of potlucks together,” Lei explains.
For Lalita Nanda, she met one of her best friends, Emma Richardson, in “XC last year,” and “got to know her through summer practice.” Today, the two can be found “bouldering, hiking, and playing pickleball together”- showing that friendships made in XC extend well beyond it!
Along with long-lasting relationships, the sport also comes with some fun traditions, such as “the cheering, such as barking symbolizing the Interlake St. Bernard,” which “helps solidify the team community especially before meets,” according to the seasoned Sammy Lei. Lei also mentions, “group sing-a-longs,” with Nishant, the team captain. He particularly enjoys Nishant’s excellent song choice, emphasizing the captain’s love for “K-pop demon hunters,” and “white girl music.” According to Andy Paston, another of Interlake XC’s many team-bonding activities is the eggnog relay. In this activity, people form teams to race a mile but must drink an entire glass of eggnog before running. “It’s very fun but, be warned, has caused multiple people to throw up,” Paston recounts. “If you’re not afraid, anyone can show up! The pain is temporary but seeing your teammates throw up in a trash can is forever”
So, despite the pure pain, the possible ankle sprains, and the possibility of vomiting your Chipotle, as Sammy Lei puts it, “Join Cross Country 2026!”
