Running was my sport’s punishment.

A soccer player since the age of 6, I always saw running as a consequence of goofing off in practice with my teammates. The phrase “take a lap” somewhat haunted the minds of my teammates and I, who didn’t even realize how crucial a component running was to playing our own sport.

Upon joining the cross country team as a junior in high school, my perspective on running took a 180-degree turn. I immediately developed a passion for the early morning races, the stinky spikes, the team dinners. Soon enough, I regarded cross country running less as a sport and more and more as a way of life.

At the end of the season, I walked off the course with a t-shirt that said, “My sport is your sport’s punishment,” and I could not be prouder.

Although I cannot say if I prefer soccer or cross country, I can say that running has taught me these various life lessons.

1. The mind is stronger than the body.

This idea was engendered in me the moment I stepped onto my high school’s cross country team. However, I didn’t quite reconcile its vast significance until I gained more experience in racing. Truly, I realized that whatever was going on in my head dictated my performance. If my mind didn’t give up, neither did my body.

2. But your body is stronger than you think.

There were so many times I thought I was going to die. Crossing the 1.5-mile marker on a hot and humid race day, I could practically envision the ambulance that would rescue me at the finish line if I didn’t collapse on the way. Yet, I soon came to understand my body’s limits, and I believed my coach when he said that I could take it.

3. Long runs are underrated.

I would initially dread the 6- and 9-milers that creeped onto our practice regimen a few weeks into the season. However, I soon began to look forward to the long runs, especially as they gave me time to think and reflect on my stride and on my day in general. Running the Miami Half Marathon was one of the best experiences of my life, especially as I would have never thought of participating in, much less finishing, such a race before running cross country.

4. Earbuds aren’t a necessity.

Through cross country, I came to understand the sheer beauty of running without music blasting in one’s ears. It gives you a chance to enjoy your surroundings, and to bond with those around you.

5. Shoot for the little goals first.

Beat this school’s number three, finish mile two under 13 minutes. Had I not followed these baby steps, I would never have been able to accomplish the bigger step, the bigger goal.

6. Carbs are indispensable.

Maybe it’s just me, but I would easily notice the discrepancy in race performances based on my meal the night before. Pasta would correspond to faster times than a soup and sandwich. Carbs are necessary for runners, period.

7. You’re better together.

My senior year, I ran my final race with my sister by my side the entire time. Looking back, we have both realized that we wouldn’t have earned our times had we not encouraged each other throughout the course. We communicated with each other through our breathing and strides, a series of telepathic moments nonexistent in any other sport.

8. There isn’t an easy way out.

The idea of cutting a run short slips into every runner’s mind during practice. Yet, upon months of practice and experience, every runner comes to understand that it will not do them any good and certainly not make them a better runner.

9. Remember to breathe.

I can truly say that I did not learn how to breathe until midway through my second cross-country season. When I did, my form and speed immediately improved, as did my finish times. I also learned the importance of breathing before the race -- no doubt the best way to silence the nerves.

10. Challenge yourself.

I would often be reminded not to stay behind a girl just because she’s been in front of me at every meet. I would only get better by pushing my own boundaries, regardless of the position of those around me.

11. Practice makes perfect.

I could not think of another sport in which one could fall so deeply behind just by missing a couple practices. It was incredible to see what not running for three days could do to my speed and mental endurance.

12. Don’t look back.

Dwelling on mistakes and failures of the past only puts one down. You should always look toward your goal, and not let anybody or anything drag you down.