What Does Running Mean To You Essay

Imagine willingly inflicting dire pain on yourself while experiencing some of the happiest moments of your life. It seems almost too contradictory to be possible. However, as a cross country and track runner, I encounter this situation quite often. Running is painful. Muscles cramp, stomachs churn, and heads get dizzy. Even so it is a pain I would not trade for the entire world. When I go out to run, my mind clears of everything except the finish line ahead. It is an escape like no other. There are so many reasons why I have loved running through high school. It has taught me so much and has helped me grow in so many ways. How is it possible to love to run when it can be so brutal? By running cross country and track I have developed lifelong friendships, a rewarding sense of accomplishment, and the opportunity to pursue a never-ending challenge. My bestfriends are the same girls I run miles and miles a week with. I will forever cherish the hours we have spent running laps around Centerburg Memorial Park. By running I know what it feels like to be immensely proud of myself. The amazing feeling you get when you bust out a new PR is like no other. Though, that PR can always become faster. You can always become stronger, run further, and learn more.
Even though there is always more to learn, this sport has already taught me many lessons.
I have discovered how to take part in healthy competition and how to push through my rough patches, as well as acquired some self confidence. When it comes to running, you will eventually hit a wall. You will get stuck at a certain time and it will feel like forever before you break that barrier. The same teammates you compete with will be the teammates that help you push out of your slumps. They will believe in you and show you how to believe in yourself. Self confidence was always a personal struggle, but running has taught me to become more self-assured and
proud. Running in high school has showed me many things about myself and has helped me grow in tremendous ways as well. I used to only want to do something if I knew it would be easy. I never thought I would join a cross country or track team, until one of my friends dragged me to a practice. Running is not easy for me; I am not a natural athlete and have had to work day in and out to compete with the other girls. As a result my work ethic and perseverance have increased greatly. At my first cross country meet I ran a 30 minute 5k. As of last season my PR 5k time was down to a 20:30, and if that is not a pure result of hard work and dedication I do not know what is. Not only have my physical characteristics swelled but so has my mentality. My group of friends is exceedingly more diverse. Some of my the girls I spend most of my time with are people I probably would have never interacted with if I did not go to that first cross country practice. I am so thankful for those friends I have made through cross country and track, as well as the lessons I have learned. Being involved with these teams has helped me grow in so many ways. I will continue to run throughout college, whether it is on a varsity team, club, or simply on my own. It is a life skill and escape I will forever cherish, and I would not be the same person without it.