Dordt's cross country program concluded the GPAC Championships with strong performances from both the men's and women's teams, anchored by sophomores Corinne Braun and Truman Johnson. Both claimed individual titles with the women taking a team title and the men a runner-up finish.

Corinne Braun Defender Discussions Episode
Truman Johnson Defender Discussions Episode

Braun reflected on the immediate aftermath of the conference meet:
"I think after that meet specifically, I was just excited for our team, so I wasn't exactly thinking about the soreness and those types of things."

Her approach to training has been steady. After a Saturday race, she typically recovers on Sunday and resumes a long run on Monday. "At this point in the season, just 10 [miles]. Piece of cake," she said.

Braun began running in seventh grade, after her father signed her up for cross country. "I did not get asked. I got signed up and it seemed to work out just fine," she recalled.

On preparation and focus, Braun emphasized keeping the mental load manageable. "I try and not think so much about workouts and school and all those other things. I try and just focus on the race—it's only 20 minutes. That's it. And just go from there."

Dealing with early-season illness challenged her patience. "All the workouts we did, I was just kind of hanging on in the back for a while, and my teammates definitely had to push me a bit when I couldn't," she said. Her teammates' support helped her regain confidence and consistency. "They take the lead in the workouts, try to encourage me, try and just take charge of anything they can to have almost like less weight on my shoulders."

Braun has also found satisfaction in helping younger teammates adjust. "I definitely have some stories and learning curves from last year to help them. I would say the biggest thing that happened last year was I just got really tired at this point. So just constantly encouraging them…keep trying as hard as you can."

Reflecting on the team's top performance, she said, "I just felt so strong being a part of those girls, especially in that race, like all running together. There's no better feeling than that versus just doing it out by yourself."

Looking ahead to Nationals, Braun is optimistic. "I'm very excited, more than last year. I just have more confidence in myself than last year… I kind of know what to expect."

Johnson also earned a conference championship, though the men's team fell just short of a full team qualification for Nationals. "It was a bit of a surprise to me. I really had hoped I would be up towards the top, and there was a scenario I had visualized where I won. Fortunately, it came together as I had hoped," he said.

He reflected on the nerves that accompany a championship race: "Absolutely, I get nervous before each race, particularly when something big for the team is on the line. But that's usually when my best race happens too, because you're running for the guys that are with you."

Johnson emphasized learning to accept those nerves: "Being nervous is OK…when I line up there, I know those guys are around me supporting me. Even if I'm nervous, I'm going to be all right. It's just the mindset I have to get into before I perform."
Training through the summer helped Johnson maintain form and fitness. "Starting in June, I built up from about 55 to 70 miles a week and kept 70 for five weeks. Most of the season went back down to 65. It just felt healthier for me, and it's worked because I've been able to stay healthy."

He also enjoys a balance of solo and group training: "A run on your own is really good to process things, but workouts with a group…that's paradise for me. I couldn't envision a better group of guys to run with."

Despite the team not qualifying in full, Johnson remains focused on his individual performance at Nationals. "It was sad not getting to go as a full team. But I'm still going to go as an individual and run my best. Maybe it's even more motivation to run really well at the national meet and prove that our team is worthy of going."

Looking forward to Nationals, he expects to collaborate with teammate Luke Swanson where possible. "Absolutely, if we can find each other during that race, I would like to run with him. He's maybe a little more aggressive than I am, and his pain tolerance is insane. If you watch him, at the point where other runners are throwing in the towel, he just keeps digging."

Braun and Johnson's seasons reflect steady development and reliable contributions to their respective teams. With Nationals approaching, their focus remains on executing consistent, strong performances and representing Dordt with the same approach that has defined the program.