Trust yourself.
I was introduced to track in 8th grade. I was forced to run by my younger sister and older brother who did it. I began as a sprinter and found a love in it. Every workout we did we pushed ourselves and every lap I ran I wanted to keep going.
Entering high school, track conditioning began in February. I was with the sprinters inside while distanance runners ran outside. I didn’t get that feeling of wanting to push myself with sprints, so I begged the distance coach to let me switch. Let me run miles halfway through our conditioning. Let me do the sudden change.
He did. The first run was 3 miles and it was snowing outside. I remember running with the girls and I felt welcomed right away. When it started to hurt they allowed me to know it’s okay to hurt. It’s okay to push yourself and be in an uncomfortable position while you run.
As the season started I turned to my coach wanting more. I wanted to pole vault. Again, he gave into my wishes and allowed me. I felt as if a new door opened up. Every jump I took I was striving to achieve something new. I was a whole new person. I wasn’t afraid of hurting myself, only afraid of missing the bar.
As the years went on I had to choose between to events I loved, distance or pole vault. I chose the one that didn’t come naturally, I decided I wanted to fly.
I had a workout plan dedicated to vault that included some distance portions, short sprint portions, and drills. I always felt strong in each workout. Each drill. Each lap. I poured my heart out.
I went year round with training. I missed distance and knowing I could have easily achieved some things a little more easy and naturally compared to pole vault.
Senior year I broke our school record and became the only girl vaulter to qualify for states. I dominated our conference, held 4 meet records, and decided to go to college for this. In college, I broke all the vault records my freshman year.
I’ve spent hours wondering if my decision to vault over distance was right. I’ve tried to understand why I vault and what makes me push myself.
It’s because just like distance, you find a new piece of you are while you train, while you run, while you push your limits. Sometimes the easiest route might be nice but trying something that isn’t something you’re used to is worth it. You find a part of yourself. You find a new you. No matter if it’s laps on a track or jumping in the air, you discover a drive you have that you didn’t know was there. Allow that drive to direct you. I questioned my decision and wether it was the right one or not. I achieved great things pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Trust yourself. Trust the discomfort you’ll be in.
- Anonymous
