Dear Cross Country,
I grew up thinking that cheerleading and track would be the only sports I would be involved in throughout high school, but after breaking my leg my freshman year in a track meet, things took a turn (for the better). My junior year was when I first ran cross country after deciding that cheerleading was no longer in my interest. Junior and senior years were the years I dedicated my life to cross country, and if it weren't for the sport, I wouldn't have experienced the amazing memories I did.
Cross country taught me a lot about myself. It taught me three main things: how to set reachable goals, how to push myself, and how to manage my emotional status.
Being involved in cross country helped me to set reachable goals, not only on a course, but in academics. The more goals I would set for myself, the more motivated I would push to achieve them.
Secondly, cross country taught me how to push myself during a race or to get something completed before a deadline.
Lastly, cross country taught me how to manage my emotional status because going on runs allowed me to clear my head and think of solutions to situations that were going on that time in my life. Cross country was free therapy.
Cross country, you helped me to experience many memories, such as making lifelong friendships, experiencing my first ice bath, and 5 a.m. practices. But, one of the biggest memories I'll always hold onto with you is from my senior year is...semi-state. I remember this day like it was yesterday.
It was race day and I was the only one from the Highland girl's team who made it to semi-state. A few girls from my team, my coach, dad, and grandparents came out to support me. I remember stretching, and at that time not feeling anything, but focusing on the race. As I stepped up to the line and waited for the gun to fire, the nerves took over my body. The gun went off and I ran like there was no tomorrow. By the end of the race, I didn't make it to State, but I remember that I felt a sense of accomplishment because I had reached the goal I dreamt of experiencing.
As a sophomore in college, I still run. No, I don't compete in races, but I run very little when I have free time. If it weren't for cross country, I wouldn't have learned the things I did, and college would probably be a lot more stressful for me than it already is. Every time I run, I find myself happier.
Ever since I ran cross country, I've never looked back. So thank you, cross country, for teaching me valuable techniques that I will be able to incorporate into my daily life routine. Also, thank you for teaching me how to keep myself sane, even when I want to go crazy.
Sincerely,
The girl who'll always love you
