Shalane Flanagan: Taking the Lead

I love cross-country! This past weekend I traveled to St. Louis, Missouri, to compete in the USA Cross Country Championships. I had a blast winning my sixth national cross-country title.

To me, cross country is the purest form of running and where I became obsessed and addicted to this sport. In cross country you battle not only your competitors but the elements — wind, snow, mud, hills, logs ... you name it!

The race this weekend made me feel alive and pushed me to move beyond the comforts of familiarity. The conditions on race day were windy, cold, and a little muddy, which made it even more of a challenge and fun! I believe this effort will help me elevate my fitness and contribute to my main goal this spring: contending to win the Boston Marathon.



Did you watch the Cross Country Championships? What are you hoping to see in this year's Boston Marathon?

—Shalane Flanagan, Record-breaking marathoner

Photo courtesy of Michael Scott