The Coach Who Changed Everything.
I started middle with no thought in my mind that I would ever run. One coach changed my lifestyle. One coach changed me.
Busy with other sports, I decided not to run cross country. I had no idea I had a talent for running. But a coach from Devine High School wanted to give me a chance and cooperate with my very hectic schedule. This meant not making it to some practices, and she was very understanding and had no problem with this.
Before I knew it, the first cross country was here and I was every typical runner before a race... a nervous reck. I had little knowledge how to run a 2 mile race because of no prior experience. I knew nobody standing next to me from other teams and almost felt out of place. But then the gun shot off and everything from there was magical. Everything in the world disappeared and it was just me and my legs.
My mental toughness was challenged, something that hadn’t ever been tested before. Little did I know I was developing a passion.
Over a course of time my coach taught me terms that had never heard of such as technique, pace, and form. There were struggles, and there were days I didn’t know if I could take another step. But the coach that gave me a chance was there with me every step of the way showing my potential turn into success. Never did she take any credit from me, but the first place medals did not happen but chance. They happened by a choice. A choice to run cross country.
Now at races I can look down the starting line and see friends from all over. I no longer feel out of place but feel at home. I have a second family. I can look at my state medal and think of all the workouts my coach challenged me with to prepare me.
This one goes to you Coach Vay, for all the times I wanted to give up but then I heard your motivation. My passion would not have been found if it weren’t for your patience. I wouldn’t be able to experience the joy of runners high, medals, and best of all life long friends. I owe everything to you.
- Brooke Runyan ( @runyanbrooke )
