Running for Reasons

Running for Reasons

Most people choose to play a sport for several reasons. Whether it be to stay or get into shape, whether it be because their parent(s) force them, or whether it be for the reason that they just love keeping busy and involved. For me, however, I chose to run cross country my freshman year in high school, for these reasons: to lose weight, to build friendship(s), and to gain confidence in myself as well as dedication. I remember hating running with a passion, but looking back, I am satisfied with the outcome of my decision to stick with running for the cross country team at Elsinore High School.

Growing up, I have always been really thin. So once junior high came, followed by puberty, I was not used to all this weight gain. I had not started to notice the gain until I was in 7th grade. I did not think much of it because I was used to everyone looking at me the same way, which was skinny. It was not until I reached the 8th grade when started hearing the names. I would go home and cry and wonder why I was being picked on so much. I did not do anything about it. I felt like there was not much I could do. So having been picked on most of my 8th grade year, I decided that I wanted to change. Not only physically, but mentally. I wanted so badly to be strong minded. So come my freshman year, I had heard about cross country and decided that running would be a great way to lose weight.

Going into my freshman year, I only had one close girlfriend. Growing up, as well, I was always "popular", so this was a change for me, not having many friends. I realized that as I have gotten older, people are not who the make themselves out to be. It is like that saying, "I can count my real friends on one hand." Like most people, I wanted to have a lot of friends, especially heading into high school. Again, I figured what a great way to indulge in a new friendship, than to join a sport; cross country. In the sport I made several friends. One in particular, Yudi Wright. Not only was I able to lose weight, but I was able to gain a very special friend. Without Yudi, I would not have made it through. Sure, it was hard to just make people like you, but showing my dedication, it slowly but surely happened.

I have never been one to "stand out in the crowd". I think that being someone who is noticeable like that, would get on peoples nerves. I like to keep to myself and quiet. So, then that way, no one could or would judge. I suppose that is an understatement though. With so much going on in my life, I wanted the attention. Also, having so much low self esteem, made me want to just hide in a corner. But as freshman year came, I just wanted to change. Looks, personality, etc. I wanted to have confidence in myself. Running up to eight miles every morning really took a toll on me, mentally and physically. Not only did my friends push me to do better, but I also pushed