As I sit alone in my dorm room, I'm thinking back on the reasons that I decided to run last spring and on the reasons I have now for continuing to do so as part of this team. When I first decided to try cross country back in May, I was mainly thinking that I'd like to try something new, that it would be fun to be on a sports team again, that it would help me get in shape and practice self discipline, and that I might as well get over my dislike of running and prove that I could do it.
Well...the reasons I have now for running are far above and beyond those initial ones. More than trying something new and getting over my dislike of running, I have overcome countless challenges and obstacles, and I've discovered--slowly, but surely--something that I never knew I love to do, and that I now plan on continuing throughout my life.
More than just being on a sports team again, I have gotten to know and love some of the most inspiring, encouraging, and hilarious people I have ever met. It's because of my amazing teammates that I've stuck it out, and I am in awe each day of the lessons they learn through running which they then apply to the rest of their experience. Finally, more than getting me in shape and allowing me to practice self discipline, running cross country has pushed me farther, longer, faster, and harder than I ever thought I could go--and it's clear that I have a long way yet to go--and it has built up my mental toughness and overall endurance to benefit everything that I do.
When I was struggling a couple weeks ago and having a lot of doubts, my brother--a long-time runner--suggested that I examine my motives for doing this. I now examine these motives everyday and am so grateful that I decided to stick with it.
All the best,
Amber
(about Amber)
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