Pretty much all runners, no matter how fast or slow, can agree on one thing- running is hard. But it’s also one of the most rewarding sports to be a part of, no matter what level you’re at. Running is chock full of ups and downs, from being injured to victorious bus rides with teammates and pride over beating your personal best.
My assistant cross-country coach once told me “the fastest way to get somewhere is a straight line.” When it comes to being a runner, that saying is rarely true. I have never known a straightforward racecourse. There are always more than a few twists and turns. Running has made a huge impact on who I am. Without it, I would never have become who I am today, and I'm sure others who share the same love would agree.
I embarrassed myself countless times with my lack of training when I was first starting out. But I loved running and everything that came with it, even the oh-my-gosh-I’m-going-to-die feeling during long distances. My definition of running changed and running definitely changed me. Running a few miles no longer sounded impossible, but achievable. No, I didn’t become the number one runner, not even close. However, it did start to get easier and I enjoyed it. The feeling of being able to do something that most people would never even try was amazing. Eventually, two miles became three, and three miles became four and so on. 
Running is worth seeing the minutes shaved off your mile times, the sore legs, and the new friends made through torturing ourselves everyday at practice or wherever you run. Since I have started running, I have improved much more than I could have hoped, and I have run distances I never thought I would be able to. Many people don’t understand distance runners. They think we’re all crazy. And it’s true. “The real purpose of running isn’t to win a race, it is to test the limits of the human heart," is something Bill Bowerman once said. That’s why we run, to prove to ourselves that we can be something more.
Some days, running feels like the last thing you want to do- especially if the weather conditions are bad, or if it’s early in the morning, or if it’s after a rough day of class. But nothing beats that feeling you have after you finish, regardless of how many miles you ran, or how fast you were. And whenever people question why you run, you just smile and shrug because you’re not exactly sure why you put yourself through all that trouble either. All you know is that it’s something you can’t go without. Even if you aren’t on a team, running becomes a habit. It creates strong social bonds, a healthier body, and a tougher mindset.
When you don’t feel like stepping out the door, remember what it feels like when you’re finished and you can say you ran so many miles. Think about how while you’re running, you feel completely free yet at the same time also feel like you’re about to collapse. Remember the burn in your lungs and the lightness in your steps.
To long-time runners- Keep going. Stay healthy and enjoy running as much as you can, because one day you won’t be able to anymore. Encourage others, especially those just starting out.
To beginners- Don’t give up. Running is hard, but it will be one of the best things you ever try. Maybe you aren’t the fastest or maybe you can’t run more than a mile right now, but none of that matters. The worst thing you can do is quit before you’ve really gotten started.
Yes, a straight line is the quickest way to get somewhere. But as most runners know, running in a straight line isn’t any fun- I'd rather have the twists and turns.
