Personal Narrative Essay: Cross Country

Cross Country. People often say to me, "Why do you run for fun?” The stereotype of running seems grueling for most people however we find joy in it. There is nothing better than accomplishing a run. The feeling that you can break through this earth with each step you take. One day I decided that I was going to join the sport, and people again went, “You are crazy” and my response was, “I know.” Going on a 6 mile run is not a normal thing teenagers do but that is what I found myself being pulled towards. In the sport I am admitting there are times when you question, “Why am I doing this?” I finally have realized my answer to that question, I find peace and happiness with everything associated with that sport. Cross Country is a family. Having

Trust me when I say that actually only makes you better and that is coming from experience. When the end of the season comes you are going to wish you had more time. Racing brings out the best of the best. You have worked for this moment, you are ready! That day was the Section race, outside was a dark gray, gloomy day with a mist of rain. The day that decides whether or not you get to keep going or take a break. Keep pushing up the hills straight to the finish and moving on to running with the best of the best. The accomplishments you have been waiting for all season are here and the words from your coach telling you, “Mady, you are going to run at the State Championship Race.” A rush of excitement goes through your body and then a rush of nervousness comes as well. Realizing you are going to run with the best of the best in Minnesota. Crazy to think about. Now comes the State experience full of exhilaration and anticipation. The night before, laying there in the midst of a dark room not able to sleep, with weird thoughts going through the mind. What is going to

Waking up with numbness to my body and people telling me, “You are ready for this, you have nothing to worry about.” At that moment in time I wish I would have realized that it was true, however I could not get that through my mind. The anticipation when we arrived at the course and knowing that you had to sit and still wait a couple of hours, which felt more like a couple years. I could not sit still. Walking around and warming up ready for the race, making sure I was loose. It was a cold November morning, that nothing compares to the environment of the meet and the amazing weather. At this point I was wishing that I had realized there is nothing to be afraid of, but still I was freaking out. Everyone tells me “You are going to do wonderful, there is nothing to worry about.” “You deserve this and are so ready.” Getting to the line with a countdown of a couple minutes, making the time now had come too fast. Where had all the time gone? Boom! All 160 runners go off like you are herding cattle. My stomach drops. What was going to happen? It was at that moment when I realized that there is nothing to worry about, I needed to live in the moment and be grateful for this