What Running Cross Country And Track Taught Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

What Running Cross Country And Track Taught Me

Sports can be life changers.

239
What Running Cross Country And Track Taught Me
Jeannine Kelley

If you're an athlete, you can attest to the fact that playing sports has not only kept your body in shape, but it has also shaped you into the person you are now.

The lessons that I've learned from being a cross country and track runner have shaped me into the person I am now, and I’m all the better for it.

Before cross country, I had no clue how long a mile was. I also had no clue what it was like to feel pain during a sport. So, what did cross country teach me? Both of those things, and then some.

It taught me how to pace myself for an eight-mile run. It taught me how to push through cramps that didn't go away after the first mile of a race. It taught me how to stay mentally tough during a race in 100-degree heat (not an exaggeration) when a runner collapsed to the ground beside me, and I felt like I would be next. It taught me how to give everything I had left, even when I thought there was nothing left inside of me.

More than that though, cross country taught me about the power of encouragement. When it was pouring rain during a race and there was a steep hill ahead with runners slipping as they struggled to crawl up it, hearing, "You can do this!" or "Pump your arms up that hill!" from a coach, friend or family member went a long way.

Being part of a cross country team also taught me what it meant to be a true teammate and friend. Fact: there is almost nothing as strong as a bond between cross country teammates. I discovered that friends who held my arms above my head when it was hard to breathe, embraced me when I was a crying, sweaty mess and picked gnats out of my hair after long runs on hot days were true friends.

As a member of a track and field team, I learned how to appreciate the unique talents of others. I learned that not all track athletes look like cross country runners, but that doesn't make them any less talented. Throwers are capable of things that hurdlers can't do, while sprinters and distance runners would die before having to trade events with each other. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.

Track also changed how I approach challenges. Making it to States in an individual event, successfully getting through ONE SET of single-arm snatches in the weight room and surviving the 400-meter hurdles after hurdling for less a week were all feats that seemed impossible to me. But with determination, instruction from coaches, support from teammates and strength that I believe came completely from God, I was able to achieve all of those things. I can always look back on the most difficult track experiences that God carried me through and take comfort in knowing that He will never fail to provide me with the strength to face any of my future challenges.

Running has provided me with so many valuable lessons and experiences over the past eight years, and I am forever grateful to my middle school, high school and collegiate teammates and coaches for everything they have taught me, as well.

But the best part about being a runner is that, though my competitive cross country and track days are coming to an end, I can continue to learn from running for the rest of my life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

554
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

4032
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

2476
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

201833
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments