Maybe injury is the key to success.

Running has always been a part of my life ever since I was a kid. I always loved to push myself whether that be in school or outside on bike rides. I wanted to be the best. I began to run track my 6th grade year and I wanted to follow my dads footsteps. He went to state many times, running a 10.7 in the 100 which was fairly good. I wanted to do the same.

Little did I know, I would be a distance runner. I ran all 3 years of middle school doing very well in my events. My 8th grade year I had a minor foot injury but it didn’t because I began to dislike running. I felt as if I was forced more than enjoying it so being out of running then didn’t bother me. 

As my freshman year rolled around I was debating even running track, thinking it would be just like 8th grade. But something in me wanted the feeling of racing and winning so I did it. As I ran the first couple of meets a spark lit in me. I loved every single moment that I was in the track. Throughout mid season I was winning about every meet. One of our big meets came around and I knew I had to do my part and score as many points for my team as I could. The meet before and at some practices I began to notice a sharp pain in my inner lower shin. It wasn’t to the point where I couldn’t run but it hurt pretty bad when I did. I kept the pain to myself hoping it would soon go away. As I lined up for the 1600m run I felt pretty good and decided to just go for it. I was scared to be hurt because I loved racin and competing and I didn’t want it to be over. I crossed the line with no pain and a PR. 

It began to pour after my race so we went to the bus and waited about 30 minutes to go back out. My next event was soon up. As I did my run out for the 800m run I could barely move my leg because the pain was so bad. I decided to run I and see if I would be okay. The gun went off and I could barely move. I came second to last and I fell once I crossed the line. My dad carried me back to camp and I just began to cry. I knew my season was over and I was just getting started.
 
I went to many doctors and they all said it was just shin splints. But I didn’t know that shin splints caused you to not be able to walk or even put any pressure in your leg. I was convinced and I still am that had a stress fracture. But it’s over now and I came back. The injury taught me to never take what you love for granted. Although it may be hard you gotta stay strong and continue to do what makes you happy.

My sophomore year of cross country came and I felt no pain all season. I ran an amazing season and I had a blast. Now I begin my sophomore year of track and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. NEVER GIVE UP ON WHAT YOU LOVE!