Excel Essay Six years ago as a sixth grader, I ran my first track meet in the 3200 meter run. This was a small tribal meet so they combined the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade runners all together. I was a little anxious to compete with who I thought was the “best of the best.” My game plan was simple; “start off slow, and as the race progresses, slowly make your way to the front and finish strong.” After the race had started, I realized that I was striding my way into 2nd place. I was behind the heels of a well-built eighth grader, Eric. Pacing myself behind Eric, I knew he would try to run faster than me on the final lap. I kept telling myself, “All or nothing. Sprint the last 200 meters.” I knew that if I did not push myself, he would surely beat me, a short and scrawny sixth grader. With deep, focused breaths, I forced my body to sprint through my aches and pains. I pushed myself for the blue ribbon I had obsessed over when I would train. To me, that first place ribbon with it’s metallic letters, was a gold medal and I had to win it, so I did. After being congratulated multiple times by friends and family throughout the day, I went home to lie down on my bed and relive my gold medal moment. It was exhilarating to finish the race knowing that I can be, and am, just …show more content…
I am a 2016 Cross Country All-stater and I could not feel any more blessed and grateful for it. What I remember most about competing at the state meet, is crossing the finish line and crying on Ms. Ticeahkie’s shoulder, after realizing that I had done it! I knew shortly after, that I could do anything I wanted to accomplish if I worked hard enough for it. I did not realize that this would be the start in furthering my running career. I have been invited to out-of-country and out-of-state meets, a walk-on for a national cross-country team, and even a selected few to participate in the Boston Marathon Pursuit