Hannah Landwehr can remember watching her sister, former St. Edmond standout Abby Landwehr, compete around the area in cross country.

What she doesn’t recall, though, is actually enjoying much of it.

“Growing up with Abby doing cross country, I remember being drug along to countless meets against my will,” Landwehr said. “Typically, I was more focused on playing or finding golf balls than cheering for her, but I vividly remember thinking she had to be one of the strongest people in the world when I saw her run.

“Even as a child, I knew that running cross country was not for the faint of heart; you are running as hard as you can and are in an immense amount of pain. I could see that in the other girls’ faces, but I never saw Abby let that pain or weakness show.”

Landwehr was a four-time state runner, placing 41st as a freshman. She was also 49th this past year and was on the school-best third place team as a sophomore.

“I will always remember the big moments such as us placing third at state as a team in 2021, winning conference as a team a couple years, qualifying for state individually multiple years and making all conference, along with the joy that I felt from achieving those things,” Landwehr said. “However, it’s not just the big moments. For me, the little moments are just as memorable: the pre-practice games of tag, the deep talks during long runs, the team times, the small PRs and successful workouts, the support teammates provide when you need it most, and so much more.”

Even before entering ninth-grade, Landwehr was running with the St. Edmond middle school program. Along the way, she learned several key life lessons.

“Throughout my experience during the six years I was a part of the SEXC program, I discovered cross country is one sport that requires an immense amount of self-discipline and drive,” she said. “You spend a lot more time working hard than receiving the glory, but it is all so worth it. Not just for the recognition, but also for the sense of self-satisfaction and pride that you will attain. When you’re not seeing results you wished for, it’s easy to get discouraged thinking all your work is for nothing. But even if you’re not getting better, simply getting through a run is something to be proud of.

“It’s also important to not obsess over comparing your running with other peoples’. I remember at the start of my cross country career I struggled a lot with feeling like I wasn’t doing enough because I wasn’t as fast as my sister. I ran my hardest at meets, but I simply was not running as fast as her at that time. While I never came close to her PRs, I realized that it really didn’t matter. What mattered is that I was getting faster than my past self.

“Everybody has their limitations and it’s not fair to yourself to compare your progress to others’, especially when we aren’t all physically capable of the same things. That being said, if you put the work in you will get stronger, both physically and mentally, and you will never regret giving it your all.”

Landwehr, who has also been involved in track, student council Play Like A Champion, Respect For Life and honor society, plans to attend Loras College in the fall while pursuing a degree in biochemistry.

Vacation destination: American Samoa.

People I would like to have dinner with: Jesus and my grandma.

It would surprise people that I: did not enjoy running until this year.

My sports role model:

Abby Landwehr.

My everyday role model: Abby Landwehr.

I can’t go a day without: my watch, chapstick, gum.

Nickname: Hannah Banana.

Superstition: same socks.

Most heated rivalry:

Clear Lake.

Favorite road trip: Glacier National Park.

What are you listening to right now? folk and country.

What is your go to song? A Troubled Mind by Noah Kahan.

Favorites…

Team: Vikings.

Class: Walking Class.

Movie: The Lost City.

Phone app: Garmin Connect.