to the ones who don't understand

Joining my high school track & cross country team was the best decision I've ever made. What started off as a pastime, turned into something I don't want to imagine my life without. Running became a part of me.

I was constantly asked "Why track?" "Why cross country?" Later on, I started asking myself the same question.

Then I knew.

Cross country and track are not the most popular sports in school. They're simply the best sports in school.

It's not just about the race. It's about what you do to prepare for the race.

It's your alarm clock rudely reminding you on a quiet Saturday morning, that your competition is not sleeping in.

It's about the never-ending pursuit of a PR or a PB and a tasty PB&J.

It's about being able to experience nature close up, and that the clouds will gaze down upon your most glorious moments when no other soul is there to witness them.

It's about learning that hills and turns can be your friends.

It's about growing up one stride at a time.

It's about throbbing calves and cramps at midnight that are strong enough to wake the dead.

It's about losing and coming back the next race determined to lose by less.

It's about challenging yourself, and pushing yourself beyond where you thought you could go.

It's about having coaches who make you do what you don't want to do so you can be who you've always wanted to be.

It's definitely about coming in as a freshman intimidated by the strange terms & times, & leaving as a senior in love with it all.

God, there are many things to it.

I'm not saying being a runner makes you better than everyone else. But it sure as hell makes you different.

You begin to understand the connection between your feet & the ground. You become the wind. You learn to love your rivals. You learn that your mind & body must coexist in a healthy relationship. You learn to run with your legs, race with your mind, & win with your heart. You find out what you're made of.

We don't run for the hell of it. We run because we can't imagine our lives without it. The more we run, the more we love ourselves. Not because we're perfect, we're far from it. But because with every mile, it's proving to us that we are capable of more than we ever thought possible. It's what we live for.

We live for the practices. The parties. The cheers. The long bus rides. The invitationals. The different types of shoes, Gatorade, & granola bars. The way we become a family, & not just a team. The memories.

It's not easy, but it's who we are. It's not for all. It's for all who are unafraid to try.

Running is a mental sport.

And we're all insane.

- s.d - 11/9/16