Sophomore Katie Fredrickson leads a pack of runners through the course as she prepares herself for the final leg of her cross country race.

Fredrickson said running provides her with an escape during stressful times. She said running at least three times a week helps her think clearly.

“Running makes me feel healthy and provides me with a rush I don’t get anywhere else,” Fredrickson said. “I feel free when I’m running and forget the rest of the world.”

According to sports psychiatrist Alexander Wagner, running acts as a helpful outlet to process and cope with daily stressors and mental disorders in a healthy way.

“Running has been shown to improve overall self-esteem and self-worth with athletes,” Wagner said. “It is structured time that is used in a positive way and progress can be monitored over time which improves and aids in overall confidence.”

Wagner said running allows athletes to improve their mental toughness, resilience and discipline.

“Running offers many learning opportunities such as learning how to set goals and work towards them, learning how to overcome a situation when someone passes you in a race and kindness towards oneself,” Wagner said.

Junior cross country and track runner Jackson Sokolowski said he enjoys the mental benefits of running and how the activity offers more than just physical strength.

“I think running helps teach discipline and makes you stronger mentally. Going for a run always clears my mind. It’s a good way to unwind,” Sokolowski said.  

According to Wagner, running proves vital for high school students because it improves overall sleep.

“Research has shown that people are able to get to sleep faster, sleep more soundly and feel more refreshed during the day after running consistently for as little as three weeks,” Wagner said.

Wagner said running outdoors acts as a  great way to increase endorphins, benefiting people’s overall mood.

“Running outdoors in a pleasant environment increases self-esteem and mood even more,” Wagner said. “ It also has been shown to increase the production of the neurotransmitters that help us feel good.”

Fredrickson said she encourages others to participate in running because of the many mental advantages that come out of it.

“Running is a healthy way for all people to get in shape and a great emotional outlet as well,” Fredrickson said.