Running is in my blood 

Running is in my blood. 

Running has enriched my life. The amount of joy I get from this sport outweighs any pain I may feel, and some runs are brutally painful. Sometimes I find myself delirious, dehydrated, and in desperate need of nutrients when I finish a long run, but the next day I put my shoes on again and I go for a run. Sometimes my calf muscles are so tight I can’t feel my feet and sometimes I am so tired I don’t even remember falling asleep at night, but I keep running. I still run because being outside is amazing. Running on trails is a beautiful and calming experience. Every time my feet hit the ground I realize that they can take me anywhere I want to go if I let them, and running has taken me all kinds of places. Running took me all the way across an island once in the outer banks, from end to end. Running took me from New Jersey to Pennsylvania once on a long run. Running has taken me over bridges, up mountains, to the homes of family and friends, and across countless finish lines. I’ve literally run errands and literally run into friends. I’ve seen the sun rise and the sunset while running. I’ve seen deer, bears, horses, cats, dogs, beavers, eagles, snakes, turtles, and so many other animals that I never would have seen if I didn’t go for a run. I’ve also run into spider webs, fallen down hills, gotten lost in the trails, lost most of my toenails, and cut my head open on a tree, but I still love running. It’s in my blood. It is a part of who I am. 

Running helped me find true love and running helped me learn to love myself. Running has given me all of my best friends. Running has taught me how to work hard, how to set goals, and how to achieve goals. Runing has taught me that there is more to life than just existing or settling. Running has taught me all about chasing dreams and being happy in every aspect of life. Running has made me a passion drivin person. Running has given me many opportunities to discover who I am and what I want to do. Running is in my blood because my passion for running flows through me. 

Because of running, I have learned how to win and how to be humble. I’ve learned that there will always be someone faster and that despite this fact I should never stop trying. I’ve learned to loose gracefully and to be greatful for all victories. I have learned that not giving up is a victory and that every set back is an opportunity. Upon defeat, I’ve learned to work harder. Additionally, running has proven to me over and over again that anything can happen on any given day so I should always be optimistic. 

I’ve learned to take risks by taking the lead in a race, crossing a fallen log, and running on the paths or roads that others have choosen not to run. I have done things I never imagined that I could do and I have never given in to giving up. 

Running is in my blood. The passion for the sport flows through me even on the days when I don’t want to run. The days I struggle only fuel the passion more because I can’t imagine my life any other way. I can’t imagine not letting my feet hit the ground day after day. I can’t imagine not going all of the places my feet have yet to take me.