Overcoming Personal Boundaries With Cameron Jenkins
By Ian Busking
Cameron Jenkins’ has ran for Owasso Cross Country (XC) and Track since seventh grade but wasn’t a frontrunner. That is, until one race in his junior year, where he surprised many and had one of the best races of his life.
After running that XC race in Claremore during fall of 2019, Jenkins started focusing more on running and realized that he could greatly improve. He ended up getting close to running under a five minute mile in the Union track meet, where Owasso is notorious for setting new personal records (PR’s). Unfortunately, the season was cancelled soon after this meet due to COVID-19.
Photo taken by Ian Busking
Holding onto his best race as motivation to keep improving, Jenkins woke up every morning to run with the best runners on the team. Additionally, he would workout physically and mentally to make sure he was going to be the best runner that he could be.
“I remember thinking that I didn’t want to be just an average runner. I wanted to have an impact on myself, the team and the sport. I came to realize that my teammates and the sport itself deserve me giving it my all.” Jenkins adds.
In the first time trial, the team had Jenkins placed first, which led the boys to have some spectacular races, and have one of the best times that has ever been run on that course.
Jenkins said that “Placing first in the time trial gave me reassurance. I was reassured that working hard really does pay off… and that win pushed me to train harder than ever.”
However, things started to change for Jenkins. There was something off about him that was shocking to his teammates and coaches. Races that were easy for Owasso teams turned into a struggle, and Jenkins did not have an immediate response to turn his season back around. He had overtrained and extended his body beyond its limit, calling for rest and recovery.
Photo taken by Ian Busking
After taking time off of running, all of those miles seemed to be for nothing. However, quickly coming to the realization that his comeback season had just turned into an average season, he did everything possible to get back to the top.
Jenkins has been putting his focus elsewhere with cross training outside of practice, such as swimming and biking to make sure he does not make the same mistake twice. Jenkins also makes sure to eat well, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep to fully recover for the next day.
After the XC season ended, not making the varsity team for the state meet was the new fuel for Jenkins’ fire. He carefully trained to his limit and has been showing major improvement in workouts and time trials.
This year, “I hope to go under ten minutes in the 3200 meter race” Jenkins states “as well as under four minutes and thirty seconds in the mile.”
“After a hopefully successful track career, I plan on continuing my running career at the collegiate level,” he finished.
Despite all of the setbacks last year, Cameron Jenkins will continue to do everything to become the best runner and person that he can in 2021. Make sure you support him and the rest of the Owasso track team!