For my CAS activity, I took part in my school’s cross country event, which happened over the course of three days. The first two days were 3 km runs, and the final day was a 5 km run.

I don’t usually do much physical activity, so this was completely new for me. At first, I was nervous about whether I could even finish the shorter runs. I decided to take part because I wanted to challenge myself and try something outside my comfort zone. Running with classmates made it more fun, as we encouraged each other along the way and shared little victories, like spotting the finish line or completing a tough hill.

The runs were very different from anything I’ve done before. They tested my stamina, pacing, and mental toughness. By the last day, it was still hard, but finishing each run felt like a real achievement, especially since I wasn’t used to this kind of physical activity.

Taking part in this event also made me think about the importance of good health and well-being, which links to SDG 3. Even something as simple as trying a new physical activity can help improve fitness, build resilience, and make you feel better overall. I realized that looking after your health isn’t just about exercise—it’s also about pushing yourself, staying consistent, and paying attention to both your body and mind.

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth:
I learned that I can push myself further than I thought, even when I feel tired or unprepared. Perseverance is definitely a strength I discovered during this experience. At the same time, I realized I have a lot to improve when it comes to stamina, pacing, and running technique. This experience showed me both what I can do and what I need to work on.

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process:
The cross country runs were a big challenge for me because I’m not usually active. Completing the 3 km runs gave me confidence to tackle the 5 km run. Along the way, I learned to pace myself, pay attention to my breathing, and push through, at times where I wanted to give up. 

LO4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:
I stayed committed by completing all three runs, even when I wanted to slow down or give up. Running with friends helped me stay motivated and encouraged me to keep going. Finishing the progression from 3 km to 5 km showed that I could stick with something challenging, even if it was completely new to me.