As Abby Gourd prepares for her final season in both cross country and track at Porter High School, her sights are set on a lofty but deeply personal goal. “As I head into my final track and cross-country season, my ultimate goal is to run a five-minute mile,” she said. That kind of ambition doesn’t come overnight—it’s the product of years of discipline, reflection, and a mindset rooted in thankfulness. “I have learned that the most important thing I can do before big events is to simply trust my training,” Gourd said. “Going into races with the mindset that all I can do is my best, and to be thankful for the opportunity to compete has made the biggest difference in my racing.”
Last season was the launchpad for cross country at Porter. With just a small team and little prior experience, Gourd was part of building something brand new. “Last year marked the first year of cross country at my school, so we had a small team and did minimal preparation before the season,” she said. But since then, things have changed in a big way. “We have spent the last year encouraging people to join our team and inviting them to run with us throughout the year. Now, we have a lot better understanding of what we need to improve this year, and we are excited to continue our training.”
For Gourd, the strength of Porter’s cross-country team isn’t measured in rankings or records. It’s the energy and joy they bring every single day. “I think my team’s biggest strength is that we have fun each and every practice,” she said. “Whether it be a relay race, plank contest, or even just stretching, we are always laughing and making the most of it.”
More than just a runner, Abby Gourd is a culture-setter—someone who has helped shape a new tradition at her school with leadership and humility. And as she pushes toward her personal best, she knows she’s also paving the way for those who follow. Her training may be physical, but her motivation runs deeper: to leave behind a legacy that inspires others to run with purpose, joy, and gratitude.
