For the people who don't understand why we run
When people ask me why i put myself through so much pain and why i run, I can’t answer them. There are so many different answers that go through my mind, because part of me hates having to go through the same mental battle everyday but the other half of me is in love with the feeling each breathe of air feels when it fills your lungs. Yes, everyone else on the team is feeling exactly how you are, but you have to remember you don’t have to be fast to become a good runner, you have to be strong. Physically and mentally. whether you’re going up a hill, tracking through sand or hurting from sore muscles, you have to remember you have a whole team that is feeling exactly how you are. Each day at practice they are doing the same thing you are, going through the pain you are feeling, but the difference is how they are handling it. You need to tell yourself that you can do it, you are strong enough, you have a team that relies on you. each person on that team matters. If you’re not one of the top 7 runners, YOU still MATTER. everyone makes a difference.
If you don’t think you’ll run cross country or track in college, enjoy the years you DO run, whether it’s only in middle school, high school or you go through all 6 years of pain, because it goes by so fast, and you learn so much. You learn to accept and grow with adversity, you create bonds with people that become your second family, you have a support system that will constantly have your back. You continue to persevere many challenges and break through barriers you didn’t think you could reach.
Running has taught me many things, and to people who don’t run cross country and track, and think we are just a group of crazy kids, you’re right. We are a crazy group of kids, but we are so dedicated to a sport that teaches us many things. I encourage people to try something new and go out for the cross country team, because it’s something that being a part of makes you happy. runs in the rain, snow and even 90 degree weather are the best, because you know that everyone feels the exact same way you’re feeling, but enjoy the scenery! Think about how your mindset can change your outlook on running. it is one of the most closest relationships you’ll ever have on a sports team, because when each runner crosses that finish line, you have the whole team cheering and waiting for you.
-one of the crazy kids ( madi hammer )
