Running In High School

I came into high school knowing track was a must but unsure about my fall sport. Would I run cross country or would I pick up golf? Little did I know, my decision not only would change the course of my high school experience, but would also change what I stand for. Long distance running was not my number one then, nor is it now, but I have come to greatly appreciate it. In my mind, running is a big metaphor for life. It is not at all easy and one must give his or her all. Overall, it is an extremely mentally tough sport. People’s minds will give up before their bodies do and that is what makes it so challenging. Because of this, I find having heart particularly important. I have had a lot of setbacks in my athletic career; ask my coach and

My team made it to state for the first time in sixteen years. I went from being completely unsure of running cross country to running at state just two years later. I did not do that with pure luck or skill, though, I had heart, and it showed as I worked day in and day out, giving my absolute all. This was not necessarily easy for me because cross country is not my favorite sport. In order to live by this idea, sometimes I have to find other motivators. In this case, I did it for my team. Rather than telling myself that the race was for me, I continuously told myself that I was doing it for my team. I knew I had to run well so my team would place well. With this mindset, I became determined to beat anyone around me. I became even more passionate about each race and my team and most importantly, I fully believed we would make it to state because I was constantly giving

Track takes all of the determination, effort, believing, and passion that is a part of giving heart. Last year, I made it to state in the 300 meter hurdles which had been a goal of mine for a very long time. At the beginning of the season, I never would have imagined to end up at state, but I never gave up on that dream. My hard work and dedication began at the beginning of cross country season, and perhaps even the beginning of my freshman year. Every workout, sore muscle, drop of sweat, loss of breath, and stinging pain was in hopes of becoming better at the hurdles. This dedication and passion, always putting my heart out there, paid off the day I made it to state. I put my heart out on that