"You must expect great things from yourself before you can do them."-Anonymous

Due to its original necessity for survival, many have acknowledged running as the rawest form of human accomplishment. Today, our everyday schedules don’t include running from predators as an objective, but choosing to run for one’s self enjoyment should be considered an accomplishment in itself.

\ have had the incredible opportunity to have participated in my school’s Cross Country and Track team this past year. I strongly believe that running exemplifies what it means to gain great results due to consistent hard work. Minutes before one of my races, I was told that the most important time to make a strong move was right after the gun was shot off. I remember my coach telling me to get in front of as many people as I could without tiring myself out too quickly. At the time, I knew my own indecisiveness would be the factor to slow me down.

I realized the goal to execute what my coach instructed me to do was of greater importance. After overcoming my own doubts and uneasiness, I was able to contribute to a successful finish for our girl’s Varsity team. In our specific division, our team was awarded third place out of seventeen high schools. Gaining assurance in my own abilities helped me overcome mental and physical barriers I endured during races.My coach saw within me the mature runner he had trained. His confidence in me transferred over to confidence in myself. Without his recognition and encouragement, I doubt I would have changed my previous mindset in running long distances.

Running unflaggingly through unrelenting terrain and weather conditions foreshadows the hardships I will have to face and overcome in life. Whether it be academics, family hardships, or physical injury, the confidence I have gained will guide me to push through any difficulties.