Going the Distance

Shannon Bresnahan

[Shannon, a sophomore at Bishop Fenwick HS, moved easily this past summer from tearing up GTD xc drills to taking full advantage of the program's zoom coaching twice a week.]

GTD: This was your 3rd summer with GTD. What was different?
Shannon: This summer was not like any other summer before. The Covid restrictions were very different, of course, but it was also very disappointing for me to not be able to run for the first half of camp. All I wanted was to be able to run with my friends. That being said, the coaches were very supportive in helping me get better. I would not have been back as soon as I was if it was not for them.

It was great how I had alternative workouts that included what I was able to do. Even though I wanted to run, it was so great that I was able to participate in some of the exercises with everyone else. Once I was able to run again, I was so prepared, and it did not feel like a struggle to get back in shape.

The zoom calls every week were very helpful, especially since not everyone was attending the onsite sessions. It was great to get advice on hydration, diet, and our at-home workouts. For me, it was great to be able to check in about progress with my ankle.

GTD: You've been a dancer and a soccer player. Although you've run track, this is the first fall you're running xc. Why the switch?
Shannon: Even though I have played soccer my whole life, I have always really enjoyed running and doing the cross country training over the summer. I never thought I would give up soccer, considering I played for a club team for many years and also for my high school, Bishop Fenwick, freshman year.

However, when I ran Spring track, I really loved the group of people, the coaches, and the sport as a whole. I realized that I loved racing and training much more than I enjoyed soccer. I decided to switch at the end of my winter track season. It took some convincing by my coach and teammates, but I am so glad that I did!

I have also done Irish step dancing my whole life, and I don't think I will ever quit that. I feel as though it helps my running and vice versa. Running makes me a better dancer and dancing makes me a better runner. I love doing both so much, and I'm so glad that I was able to realize that cross country was what was right for me.

GTD: How's xc going for you so far this fall?
Shannon: So far this year, I have enjoyed cross country so much! I have made so many new friends and realized how much I truly love the sport. I have had two meets so far this year, and my team has won both! I have come in first at both, as well, but my times were not as fast as I wanted them to be. I feel as though I just need a little bit more time to adjust to running a 5k, considering I hadn't ever raced one seriously before this season. Also, I feel as though I will do a bit better once I fully recover from my injury. Overall, though, cross country is so great. I am so glad that I was able to find what I truly love to do.