The day I started running, my life changed. This may seem ridiculous, or even downright stupid, but it’s true. It changed my life. I would say since that day, it has been something that has made me grow in way that I didn’t even realize. It has given me some amazing friendships, made me a more dedicated person, taught me patience, work ethic, and even has taught me how to deal with some heartache. Running isn’t always fun or easy, but I would say it is essential in my life and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
I started running my sophomore year of high school, and let’s just say I wasn’t in “running shape." It was hard, not very fun and kind of intimidating, but something made me want to keep coming back for more. From then on I would run just a little bit every day, and soon, before I even realized it, I was keeping up with my super in-shape soccer friends. That’s when I decided that I should try track and field. My junior year was my first year participating in track, and I didn’t really know where I belonged. It was intimidating to see people finding their place so quickly, and I thought mine was with the sprinters. I would stare longingly at the long distance runners, wanting so badly to go on those long runs at the near-by park with them. Meanwhile, I tried to act like I was going to be a good sprinter. Well, I wasn’t… at all. Time trials came and that’s when I found my true “calling” with the long distance runners. Finally, I found my spot. Instant long-lasting friendships started to form, and track was actually really fun (mostly).
People would ask me why I did track and I always responded with “Because I love running." I would be lying if I said that that response didn’t change to “I honestly don't know,” come my senior year, but I still loved running no less than I did my junior year. What track and cross-country taught me was that I can do anything I put my mind to. I am a five-foot, not-lanky girl, who has the opposite of a “runner's body," but, it works for me. And I wasn’t too bad when it came to racing, either. Running has taught me to work hard for what I want, and even harder if that goal doesn’t seem attainable to me. But mostly, running has given me clarity.
Clarity is when you go on a long run, just by yourself, and you forget that your feet are even moving. You seem to be floating and it doesn’t even feel like work anymore. Clarity comes on a bright, crisp and sunny day, moving your legs back and forth with the wind in your face. There are few things that make me as happy as a long run. It could have something to do with endorphins, but I’d like to say that not only is running good for the soul, but the mind and body as well. It teaches us things that can’t be taught anywhere else. There is something quite special about runners, they always seem to have a smile on their face when they pass by. I never understood that, but now I do and I am so grateful. The day I started running was the day I started living differently. It feeds my soul, and makes my heart happy. Grab your running shoes, and start moving, even if it is just for a little. You’ll be amazed at what a small distance can lead to.
