Cross country; My experience (cont.)

I remember the first day I showed up for informal practice over the summer. We ran 3 miles that day, and I couldn't help but think, "what have I gotten myself into?" It was a terrible feeling. I didn't think I would make it through the first week, let alone the whole season.
Looking back, I'm glad I stuck it out. The experience of running for Kennedy has taught me so much besides just the basic elements of running itself. I learned a lot about commitment, which has helped me through high school, and will continue to help me throughout me whole life. It's so easy to give up, to quit, but sticking it out can help you learn a lot about yourself and even improve yourself on the inside as well as the outside.
As the season progressed I started seeing huge improvements in my running. The progress provided the motivation I needed to work hard and run my first varsity race, as a sophomore. This was something I had never even dreamed of. My parents (mostly my dad) were thrilled, and I had found a new love for something I never even knew I would be good at.
One of the days I'll never forget for as long as I live was my race that year at the Iowa City Ashten cross country course. It was a cool breezy day and I tied up my spikes ready to race. Little did I know I would take first place of over 200 girls that day in the fresh/soph division. Of all the races I've ran in my "career", it still ranks at the top as my shining moment. That was the moment I knew this wasn't just a sport for me anymore, it turned into a passion that I will probably carry with me for the rest of my life.
My grandmother (on my dad's side) started running when she was 50 years old. She has been a huge inspiration to me as well as my dad, who runs 8-10 miles a day. He trains for and competes in triathlons year round and is my number one supporter, skipping work and meetings to watch every one of my races.
If there's one thing I learned from this whole experience and life as a whole, it's that you shouldn't limit yourself to the things you've grown up doing. Try something new once and while because you never know what might happen.
I finished the season earning my varsity letter.


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