“I needed to use my free time, I just didn’t think it would take up all my time,” said Silverado senior Connor Biondi while sitting in the library’s study room trying to catch up on assignments.
Piled-up assignments seem to be nothing unusual for Biondi. Although academics, social life, and work are a priority for most students in high school, they come second to Biondi. He has his eyes – and eventually his mind – steady on two things: distance and PRs (personal records).
“Keep your pace!, “Just a few more miles!” and “Final sprint! Give it all you got!” were the only words that echoed in his mind as his heart pounded repeatedly, the crowd’s encouragement fading away with every stride. Distance meant everything.
“My legs were giving out, but I couldn’t stop or coach would be mad. You can’t stop running,” said Biondi as he reflected on the final stretch of the 2021 Bud O’Dea 9-10th Classic.,
He described this as the toughest race of his freshman year of high school. Having run up a big hill four times, Biondi’s introduction into high school cross country was off to a rough start. Feeling discouraged after finishing with an unsatisfying distance time, he felt as though running wasn’t meant for him. Feeling unsure about wanting to continue the rest of the season, he decided to stick it out.
“I felt like I could prove myself,” said Biondi, later adding, “I really did want to quit, though. But I could never bring myself to.”
Through a year of trial and error, Biondi found himself gradually setting PRs and building endurance, eventually running longer distances. With a new mindset for his second year of cross country, he soared new heights and achieved PR after PR. Distance times quickly shortened, and Biondi was determined to get faster.
Junior year was his prime. Traveling to Oregon and competing at the 2024 Nike Portland XC, Biondi proved himself. Two years of perseverance paid off as he hit his biggest PR time of 19 minutes and 34 seconds in a 5K race. Satisfaction with shorter times grew as the season progressed, causing his determination and competitiveness to grow stronger with each race he ran.
“I would go to practice after school every day,” stated Biondi.
Running became an enjoyment – a completely different mindset than when he first started cross country his freshman year.
When it comes to other extracurricular activities, Biondi said he participated in “Nothing. I went to school, then practiced, got home to do what homework I could, and went to bed.”
Strict routines became normal, and Biondi improved day by day, barely noticing that the free time he had two years ago had been replaced by determination and discipline.
Currently in his fourth and final year of running for Silverado’s cross country, Biondi has learned to love and appreciate the sport. Although he’s choosing not to continue running competitively in college next year, he wouldn’t trade his tough experience for anything else as itthey taught him lessons and helped him develop genuine passion along the way.
As graduation nears, Biondi admits that he’s excited to begin college but will choose to run at his own pace and time rather than competitively.
