Sierra Burror is a force to be reckoned with in long distance running. Last week we talked with Rachel Fitt, and now we have a chance to find out more about her teammate Sierra Burror.

 Q:When did you feel you gained a passion for running?

I feel I gained a passion for running gradually over time, I always loved hiking so, when I entered middle school Cross Country seemed like a natural transition. Initially when I joined it was just a fun way to be outside with my friends but my commitment was unwavering. As I got more into running, my uncle (who is a cross country coach in the Bay Area) began giving me workouts to improve. So I would say that I gained a passion for running going into eighth-grade year and that passion has continued to develop over the years.

Q:How do you prepare for a long distance run?

I prepare for a long-distance run by stretching/rolling my muscles and making sure they are properly recovered, eating proper food so my stomach is satisfied but relatively empty, and going to the bathroom! Of course, I also make sure that I am in the right mindset to tune into my body for the upcoming effort, positivity and affirmations are key.

Q:Is there any nutrition that goes into training for Cross Country?

There is definitely a huge nutritional aspect of training for Cross Country for me, it is all about learning what your body likes, and considering what will provide the correct nutrition. I personally am a vegetarian and choose not to consume foods with added sugar, and of course, most athletes try to avoid overly processed foods. This combined with basing all my meals on the food groups, to ensure I get the right amount of each essential nutrient, is what makes me feel optimal for training and racing. 

Q:Is there any difference between Track and Cross Country?

 There is definitely a difference, your training switches from longer more endurance-based cycles to higher intensity interval circuits. The racing follows a similar thread, while I can usually remember larger swarths of a Cross Country day (generally the whole thing) track meet days become broken up in my head, and it’s difficult to piece them together. That is due partially to the similarity of tracks, and the relative variety of Cross Country courses. But I believe it is also due to the spread-out focus of a cross country race, as compared with the repeated high intensity/focus bursts of a track meet. But all the same you are running, and pushing your body/mind through your limits, so in principle, they’re not so different at all.

Sierra Burror, Bishop Union High School, Bishop Union, Cross Country, Hustle, Running