Running sucks. Most runners would agree with me; However, most of
them would also agree with me when I say we love it at the same time.
Despite all the pain, aching, and constant soreness, running gives us a
personal sense of achievement that is unlike anything else. Running is not
just a sport, it's a lifestyle. If you really want to be a good runner there is no
offseason, no breaks, no days off. Much like how we can never get
away from life and the struggles that come with it. There is no such thing
as running without pain. However, it’s this constant pain that has taught me
a lot about life. Much like running, life can seem like it sucks at times, it can
be very hard, and we might feel like we can’t do it. Running has taught me
to never to give up, and that I am capable of way more than I imagined,
and not just in a race. Running has given me the confidence it takes to
push through the hard times in life because I know it will get better.
When I first started running I never thought I would break 5 minutes
in the mile, I never thought I would make it to the State Finals, I never
thought I would have a shot at breaking a school record, and never did I
imagine I would have the opportunity to compete in the NCAA and travel
the country to race. It is because of what running taught me that I am able
to keep raising the bar for myself, and be able to do so knowing that I have
what it takes to achieve what I set out to do. When I first started running I
didn't have any big goals, I first started running because my mom made me,
much like we are forced into school. I did not like it at first, also
comparable to our feelings towards school at times. However, the things I
achieved and the lessons I learned over the past four years from running
are priceless. As are the things we have learned over our time here at
Mattawan.
Racing a 5k is a lot like our time here at Mattawan in a way. The guns
goes off, it’s a mad dash, full of adrenaline, to...