Runners for LifeWhen most students hear from their gym teachers that they are running the mile the next day, they are filled with a sense of dread. Call me crazy, but I get excited. I have always loved running; anywhere, anytime, and any distance. From soccer to basketball and now cross country and track, I can only describe the free feeling as my feet fly as pure ecstasy. When people find out about my running habits they one, think I’m crazy, or two, have known me long enough to say that it’s about time. Either way, people then ask how I got started, which is not quite a long story, but not something quick to explain either.
I went to a very small, private school for Kindergarten up until eighth grade where the only sports offered for girls were volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and softball in the spring. I had been playing soccer since I was five, but in fourth grade I had to stop and was looking for something new to get rid of some of my energy. The coaches for the three sports offered were friends of my parents and I got put into all three sports. Over the next couple of years, I got better and better at all three sports, managing to become captain of my volleyball and softball team two years in a row, and in basketball one year. I liked the sports, but I still wanted to just run. School, athletics, church activities, and working stopped me from being able to do more up until high school. Most people expected me to go on to do volleyball, basketball, and softball at Stevenson, but I shocked a lot of people-especially my parents-when I decided to join the cross country team in the fall. For the people that don't know, cross country is a grueling 5km, or 3.11 mile race that takes place outside in forests, parks, and the occasional baseball diamond. (Lots of them) I loved every exhausting stride. The feeling of running is like nothing else I've ever experienced, and the feeling afterwards is sometimes described as a runner's "high." You feel on top of the world after every run, and I couldn't wait to do it all over again. The people I met while running were another reason I was so glad to do cross country. I don't know what it is, but runners always smile when we pass on sidewalks and cheer each other on, no matter what school we go to. Many times I have been encouraged by runners from Churchill, Franklin, and other schools, and I have always been one to encourage someone who was maybe lagging behind. And I know I keep saying running this, and running that, but it really means that much to me. I wasn't really sure about high school coming from such a small school (240 kids, preschool through eighth grade), but running really helped me walk up to the building with confidence.
I went to a very small, private school for Kindergarten up until eighth grade where the only sports offered for girls were volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and softball in the spring. I had been playing soccer since I was five, but in fourth grade I had to stop and was looking for something new to get rid of some of my energy. The coaches for the three sports offered were friends of my parents and I got put into all three sports. Over the next couple of years, I got better and better at all three sports, managing to become captain of my volleyball and softball team two years in a row, and in basketball one year. I liked the sports, but I still wanted to just run. School, athletics, church activities, and working stopped me from being able to do more up until high school. Most people expected me to go on to do volleyball, basketball, and softball at Stevenson, but I shocked a lot of people-especially my parents-when I decided to join the cross country team in the fall. For the people that don't know, cross country is a grueling 5km, or 3.11 mile race that takes place outside in forests, parks, and the occasional baseball diamond. (Lots of them) I loved every exhausting stride. The feeling of running is like nothing else I've ever experienced, and the feeling afterwards is sometimes described as a runner's "high." You feel on top of the world after every run, and I couldn't wait to do it all over again. The people I met while running were another reason I was so glad to do cross country. I don't know what it is, but runners always smile when we pass on sidewalks and cheer each other on, no matter what school we go to. Many times I have been encouraged by runners from Churchill, Franklin, and other schools, and I have always been one to encourage someone who was maybe lagging behind. And I know I keep saying running this, and running that, but it really means that much to me. I wasn't really sure about high school coming from such a small school (240 kids, preschool through eighth grade), but running really helped me walk up to the building with confidence.
You are crazy for running but you did a great job saying how much you love it. Running is really your thing so stick with it!
ReplyDeleteIt's really cool that you did what you want even if some people think you should do something else. You did a great job of describing how you love running- it almost made me want to run even though I hate running!
ReplyDeleteReally nice job. I know about the small school thing, but St. Mike's was a little bigger than that. I like that you went for something unexpected. Keep it up!
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ReplyDeleteWow, this was written really well and even though I haven't heard you talk a lot (which is ok because I'm kind of quiet myself) I can tell that this has a lot of personal voice! And i can totally relate to the whole "runner's high" thing because after I'm done running I always feel great! Hopefully I'll get to know you a little better through track and cross country training this summer!!(:
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be a really athletic person, and I like you description in your paper and how you mention you have a fascinating history.
ReplyDeleteNice job explaning how much you love running !
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