Running has been my best teacher.
There’s a lot to learn about running; what shoes are the best, how to prevent injuries, how to prepare a training plan, what foods are best to eat before/after runs, what type of races you prefer, how to speed train, what muscle groups to work, how your body runs. It’s all complex and takes a lot of research, time and trial & error to figure out what’s best for you and your body. I would know...I have never made it through a full cross country season without some sort of injury that caused me to miss a race or a week of practice.
I’ve spent hours in doctors’ offices and evaluations and have experimented with different mechanisms to help my body adapt and prevent injury. While this is common for a lot of runners due the high stress and impact of the mileage we put on, the fact that I have suffered 3 stress fractures, 2 torn ligaments and 1 fractured ankle over the course of my 7 years of cross country seems a little far fetched. In fact, i’ve heard some people say I complain a lot about getting hurt, and that’d be because I ALWAYS get hurt! It’s extremely frustrating and discouraging to be forced to sit out and watch your teammates continue to improve and succeed. When you’ve worked hard all summer to try and earn a spot you’ve wanted and thought you deserved, it’s hard to watch other people fill in those spots and watch your progress slide down the drain. But each summer, after a mediocre track season, I ramp up my training and start fresh for a new season. I try new training methods, I add in new stretches, I do more strength training, I get new running shoes. I feel as though I’m doing everything right this time. And then boom, a month into season and I’m suffering from shin splints in both shins, one on the verge of a stress fracture.
Ok ok, this isn’t supposed to be a story, or me asking for pity. My point is, I’ve had some rough seasons. The struggles I’ve gone through have truly helped shape me into a better runner, friend and teammate. What’s often overlooked is how much running can teach you. Not only running, but also being on a team, surrounded by runners better than you, and worse than you. It teaches you to be supportive, humble and gracious. I’ve watched some runners who go all the way to state and it completely changes who they are, and I’ve watched others who use their talent to help others, encourage others and inspire others.
Whether you are a state level athlete or not, accepting an accomplishment as simple as a PR is still something both exciting but humbling. You must also recognize the fact that some work just as hard but had a bad race and didn’t get that PR, or didn’t get that medal or earn the spot for state. Each and every athlete on every team works hard if they truly want it, and that shows through.
What I hope everyone can take away from running, and my story, is that no matter how hard you work or how good of a runner you are, there will always be challenges and there will always be opportunities to achieve. Be humble and gracious, be supportive and a good teammate. Don’t forget about the ones who work hard but don’t earn that varsity letter, or the ones who get injured because they trained too hard because they wanted it so bad. Don’t forget about the friends who helped support you to get you to where you are. Running can teach you a lot - how to work hard, be strategic, understand your body and stay healthy - but also who your best supporters, teammates and friends are. That is why I believe that running has been the best teacher I’ve had.
- Erin Whitman ( @ewhitman26 )
