Why Is Running Important To Me

Exhaustion has set in; I've been running for nearly 20 minutes now. My teammates are all around me, struggling with me to reach the finish line. It’s our regional meet, the one that determines whether we go to the state championship or not. Four years of running are finally paying off, and we cross the finish line as a team. Running cross-country and track have truly taught me many lessons; they have taught me sportsmanship, determination, and most of all, leadership. I’ve been blessed with the best coaches and teammates that have helped me grow physically and mentally, while also making me a leader. My four years or running have certainly changed me, and they will continue to change me for the rest of my life.
Before high school, I had never played a sport before. Obviously, I was quite out of shape when I decided to run cross-country my freshman year. However, this was one of the best choices I have ever made. When I first started, I was running about a thirty minute 5k, if I could even finish. By my senior year, however, I was finishing in a little over twenty minutes. I was also able to run at least eight miles without stopping, a huge improvement from where I started. This change allowed me to run a half marathon for children in
Over the past four years, this statement has proven to be fact. Making myself run faster despite the temptation to stop is one of the most difficult tasks I’ve had to do. However, it has taught me to work hard despite the overwhelming feelings to quit in everything I do. That one life lesson pushed me to earn the rank of Eagle Scout and to continue to strive for becoming valedictorian. Furthermore, it will push me to accomplish my life goal of becoming a surgeon despite the difficulty of college and medical school. This huge change has further developed into making me a leader for not only the team but in everything else I