Procrastination is expressed in the form of excuses. These excuses are a result of avoiding challenging or displeasing tasks such as studying, chores and more as the list goes on. From my experience, I have noticed that the most complaints exit my mouth when my list of ‘to do’s’ must check off ‘go running.’ These unacceptable reasons range from "Oh, I’m too tired maybe tomorrow…” to “I don’t feel like being seen in public.” Running has been toying with my thoughts since the summer I entered high school. After over three years of constant ups and downs, we have finally found our tempo as the beginning proved to be a rocky start. Never putting time aside specifically to run further than a measly ten yards, the sport requires much more than lacing up your shoes and plugging in your headphones.

The thoughts that circulate the mind of a runner, during the execution of the act, never truly starts or ends as it is a constant matter of life. Many are searching for excuses to hide under the covers rather that completing the dreaded task, which makes these notions the biggest hurdle a runner must overcome when participating in the act. Although the lengthy distance or the brief mile time of an individual is impressive, those who are not defeated by their delay to perform the exercise are truly the unsuccessful ones. It is difficult to simply ‘just do it’ as it is a sport that ultimately tests the determination, willingness, mental strength, and more of a person. Running expels a multitude a thoughts as the only player in the game is the individual as they are forced to beat their own self, which is embodied in the form of their thoughts. These thoughts are carried with the player throughout the game, whether they are out of curiosity as to how fast they may reach the next stop sign in, or self doubt as to their desire to stop. Running is hard, but it breeds champions as it may be one of the most strenuous tasks people undergo.

The satisfaction that showers me after a run is indescribable. My mind tells me no to running, but my heart tells me yes as it is certain I will be proud of my work. Why be happy with every run even though some days you just feel so poorly of yourself? Well, the fact that I made it out the door in an attempt to exert my whole self is enough to make me feel victorious. My body craves to run. It has allowed myself to discover my individuality as it is a time for myself and no one else. It has improved my health tremendously as I am more energetic, happy, and free of 22 excess pounds. It has given me something to be pleased about as it is a goal orientated activity. The list goes on over the benefits of running, but the only person who can convince you to do it is you. The only person holding you back from that run later is you. You may not be a part of the track team, or not have ran a day in your life, but these aspects are pointless as I promise you that you will feel like you are number one. Don’t allow yourself to be conquered by your own self, you have the power to control yourself as you venture down your own path to reach the finish line.