“A lot of people run a race to see who is the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts…” (Steve Prefontaine). As a distance runner in Oregon, Steve Prefontaine has been one of my biggest heroes. He believed that running wasn’t just about winning – it was about pushing past your limits and discovering how strong you truly are.
Distance running has completely changed me, both physically and mentally. When I first started, I focused on my speed and placement in races. Over time, I realized that the real challenge isn’t about placing but pushing myself harder every race. Every run has become a test of how far I can push myself before I feel like I can’t go anymore.
Prefontaine’s words resonate with me because I don’t just run to be the fastest, I run to prove to myself that I have the determination and mental toughness to keep going. There are moments during training when I wonder why I picked up distance running, but then I remind myself that when I’m struggling is exactly when I’m getting stronger.
Running has taught me that success isn’t always measured by time or place. It’s measured by the guts and resilience you have during a race. Like Prefontaine, I run to see how much grit I have, and everytime I race, I discover that I’m stronger than I thought. Every race, every workout, and every mile is a chance to push past the doubt and prove to myself that I’m tough. Grit isn’t something you’re born with, it’s developed through hard challenges and perseverance.