Get to know Weston cross country runner James Osborn
WESTON, Mass. — James Osborn didn’t find running until middle school, having played hockey and soccer throughout his youth. However, two years of track in middle school and then a season of winter indoor track in 9th grade led to James making a pivotal decision to devote his time and energy into running – cross country and indoor and outdoor track. He was drawn to the camaraderie of the teams and the steady improvement he experienced; and, once he dedicated himself to running, there was no turning back.
James’ choice and hard work paid off with a series of impressive achievements. Notably, James and three of his teammates earned a coveted spot at the New Balance Indoor Nationals in the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) during the 2022-23 Indoor Track season. Further team highlights to which James contributed include winning the State Relay meet for outdoor track in Spring 2023 and claiming victory in the D3A State Qualifier for cross country. In addition, James’ cross country team secured a 3rd place finish in the D3 State Championships, and his outdoor track team was DCL Champs multiple times during James’ tenure on the team.
James also has showcased his speed and endurance with personal records of 4:38 in the mile and 16:38 in the 5k.
Congrats, James!
Interview with James:
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
James Osborn: I would like to break 4:30 in the mile, 10:00 in the two mile and 16:30 in the 5k this year.
What do you love about your sport?
Osborn: I really love the community of the cross country and track teams. All the members of the team are very close, and I have made some of my best friends through running. I also enjoy how visible my progress is in running. Because the sport is based on time, it is really easy to see how fast you are improving from race to race.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Osborn: The mental aspect of running and finding ways to push through the pain and discomfort that comes with long distance races. Each race feels different depending on the competition, the course (for cross country) and how I’m feeling that day, but I have to work to block all of that out and just focus on my running.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Osborn: Take the race one step at a time. When it starts to hurt, just keep pushing yourself for the next section of the course/race and keep doing that until you finish.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
Osborn: When my team was trying to qualify for nationals in the DMR, I was running the last leg of the relay. When I got the baton, I knew we had very little time to work with in order to qualify, so I went out way too hard early in the race. However, I quickly realized how fast I was going, ran the rest of the race more controlled, and was able to meet the qualifying time by .08 seconds!
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?
Osborn: I like to visualize my race and my race strategy in the days leading up to the race, right up to when I’m on the start line, so I am the most mentally prepared I can be.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
Osborn: I like to read, spend time with friends and family, go for walks and watch movies. I’m also co-president of the high school student council and I work as a soccer referee.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
Osborn: The importance of leadership, hard work, perseverance and humility.
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