When most people who hear the word “running,” they automatically go crazy. They rewind back to the days they had to run the timed mile every year in school and how much they dreaded every second of it. To me, running is much more than a yearly day of gym class everyone fears. Personally, running plays a very important part in my everyday life. It allows me time not only to burn some energy, but relax and let my mind go free!
In seventh grade I came across a sport called cross country, and for the record, I had no idea what cross country meant. When I showed up for the first day of practice and figured out it involved running. Most didn't show up the second practice. Me, I thought I would give it a try! Once I got in the groove of running and competing on the daily, I knew this would be a sport I would be interested in pursuing.
Once I got to the high school level, a lot of things changed. The numbers decreased, the milage increased and my thought structure of what running meant to me took a full 360 degree twist. After completing my high school career of running in four PIAA district races as well as competing in community races and a Spartan race, I reflected back on the four years I ran. Looking back on my numerous seasons of cross country and track and field, these are a few things I gained from my love of running.
1. Friendship
On the first practice of freshman year, I was the only upcoming freshman. Personally, I was terrified. But within the first few practices, I felt completely welcomed! I became very close with all of my teammates, ranging in all grades, and even came across someone who is now one of my best friends and one that I still compete and hang out with to this day. Throughout all four years, true relationships were made with many student athletes within XC and track and field as well as coaches. I could not have asked for a better group of individuals to have competed with within my years of running!
2. Self-discipline
What most don't realize about running is that it takes a few weeks to gain a stable stamina but only takes a day or two without running to lose it all. From my own experience as a runner, training is very key and crucial in order to become a competitive athlete. Summer and winter are spent on the track, the trails or at the gym and fall and spring and spend practicing and competing; it’s a year-round sport. Self-discipline is a quality I feel I mastered as an athlete. It is something I have applied to college as well as my everyday life. It is for sure a skill I am grateful to have acquired as a runner.
3. Time to think
As many worry about when their run will be over when running, I have learned to enjoy my time. Now being a college student, I do not get a lot of downtime to myself. Using most of my free time to run, I take the time running to reflect on my day, relax and not worry about a thing in the world!
4. Lifelong memories
So many cherished memories are from running! From Dairy Queen runs, the seven hills of Rome, and competing in Districts all the way to finishing my first Spartan race, nothing could have beat the times mades with such an awesome group of athletes and coaches.
Over these last six years of running, I could not have asked for a better experience. All that I have gained and learned, I am beyond thankful for. I can't wait to see what the future holds for my career in running!