Why I love running
“you’re crazy”, “how do you think running is fun?”, “why do you do cross country? I hate running.” I hear these comments every time I tell somebody about my love for track and cross country. In a way those people are right, I am crazy, I don’t understand why I consider running fun when it is painful and hard, and I hate running too but my love for it is greater than my hate. Why? Because running has done so much for me and if I could repay running I would, I really would.
I started running because of my mental health. I was struggling with depression and anxiety so the doctor recommended sports. I played volleyball and basketball but was absolutely terrible; the only thing I was decent at was running so I decided to do track. I loved track, the smell of the track, the competition that pushes you past your limits, the friendships, and the feeling after racing your best. Of course, not everything was happiness, I had terrible meets but the thought that I could redeem myself in the next one kept me going. The season ended and since I enjoyed running so much I decided to do cross country. Running cross country is a decision I will never EVER regret. Everyday I would look forward to cross country practice; it became the best part of my day. Any worry, fear, negative thought, or problem I had disappeared when I was running. Track and Cross Country saved me, saved me from my depression and anxiety.
The people that do cross country are the most amazing, kind souls. My teammates are so supportive and sweet, they make me find joy in running. Running can be enjoyable if you do it with the right people. My coaches are also the most amazing humans who always encourages me to do my best, give my best effort, and they’re some of the people I look up to the most.
Satisfaction and joy that running brings me can not be described in words. After a race I feel so happy and even though I may be disappointed nobody can take away the pleasure and satisfaction that come from finishing a race. Hugging your teammates because you both finished the race even though it was torture is one of the most beautiful experiences.
Running gave me something to be proud of. Running became a light for me in a dark world. Seeing myself improving as the season went on and not giving up made me go “wow Lizeth. You aren’t such a wimp.” Running became a part of my identity and something I value each day more and more.
Running makes me so happy, brings me so much satisfaction and joy and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world, I don’t care if people don’t understand why I run.
- Lizeth Rodriguez
