I will never forget my first race at age five. The kids Pre. The determination I had and the thrill of coming through the finish line. At age seven, running the 10K seemed like a huge feat for me. As I started heartbreak hill, hearing my parents cheer me on, I thought of myself at the top and knew I had to dip deep to get there. Coming through the final lap at the end, my fatigue was prominent, but the feeling is one that I’ll never forget. Did I really just do that? The excitement, the happiness, the pride, were overwhelming.
To me, Pre’s quote “A lot of people run a race to see who is the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts.” means, he had the faith and courage to challenge himself, regardless of the outcome. Most races I don’t win, but always put forth my best effort. That day, I didn’t run to see who was the fastest, I ran to see if I had the most guts.
Running is a way to channel my competitiveness. I have tried my best so far and never backed down. It’s a way for me to see nature, socialize with friends, and connect with family. It pushes my limits, yet gives me confidence. I’ve met new friends, through meets and running camps and formed strong bonds along the way. These relationships and values, that have manifested through running, I hold closest.
Running teaches the ability to think strategically, have determination and resilience, along with learning good sportsmanship skills. I’ve learned the importance of proper conditioning and nutrition, which can translate into lifelong habits of health and wellness. My work ethic and discipline will continue to benefit me throughout my adult life. It has taught me that even if I don’t get my PR, I’m still going to persevere and stay strong for the next race.
Running is one of my “mood boosters.” It helps me focus on what is important and to forget my problems at the end of the day. When I have chaos in my life, my daily run is my escape with each stride. Running has always been there for me. When I have taken a break, it has welcomed me back each time with an open road. Running is a transformative, individual and community sport, as it gives you time and space to connect with the world around you.
Analise Miller
