Why do we run?

Why do we run? It’s a simple question. One that squeezes it’s way into your thoughts every time your legs are screaming with pain during the last mile, or your mind gives up after that girl passes you. I didn’t know the answer for a long time, people would ask me and I would say, “I don’t know, it’s fun I guess.” The reality is, it’s not fun. Spending your Saturday mornings pushing your body and your mind to it’s very limits is not fun. Pressing on through the last, excruciatingly awful mile, when your legs are giving out and your lungs are tired of breathing, is not fun. The practices, the never ending repeats on the track and the ridiculously long distance runs are not fun. The truth is, the entire process isn’t enjoyable. It’s the people who are. It’s the results. It’s the encouragement from your teammates, parents, coaches. The people who push you to pass that girl, or to run that time. The people who convince you that you can do things you never thought were possible-and to expand your limits and what you think you’re capable of. It’s the bonds you form, with not only your teammates but your competitors as well. You will never have a better relationship with other peers than you do with the people who go out with you on the track, and do those 800 repeats together. Or who go with you on the 8 mile run in the 90 degree weather. Those teammates become family. They go out to suffer for you, and for the love of cross country. And in the end, all the pain, all the tiredness, shaking, cramps, pushing, and sweating...all becomes worth it.

- Paige Arseneau ( @paige_arseneau )