Running was always part of my life. The first day of school in kindergarten my parents had me join the cross-country team. We stretched together in the gym, ran a few laps around the track, and got gummy bears at the end. Running seemed great. I was very attracted to the freedom I got from running. Challenging other kids was exciting and fun. I always liked to be the fastest runner out of the bunch. This early love and competitiveness for running has carried me all the way through my sophomore year of high school where I ran cross country and track.
Bang! The gun goes off. The sound of feet trampling the ground makes a booming noise. Many limber, skinny, and fit athletes break off the starting block and race around the track at the annual Bellevue Invitational.
Light sweat accumulates on my upper lip and begins to fly away as the smooth wind blows against my face. My body collides with other runners as I make my move towards the inner circle of the track. “Uhh!” I mutter as another runner steps on my foot with his spiked running shoes. We make the final turn and begin the home stretch. Adrenaline surges through my body and I can no longer hear the cheers from the crowd. The adrenaline rush is so powerful that I feel like I am addicted to it. Call me an adrenaline junkie. I make my final kick towards the finish line and end up passing five runners. Third place is mine!
The excitement of the race overwhelms me and I collapse to the ground. My fellow runners rush over and gather around. I pick myself up, give a few high fives to my teammates congratulating me and make my way to the food tent. Indulging myself in apples and peanut butter, I begin replenishing the protein and carbohydrates I burned during the race.
Running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other. It’s a lifestyle. Hours of practice, eating healthy, and staying hydrated are all important factors of this sport. Drinking lots of water and eating fruits and vegetables help your performance a ton. Dedication is a must if you wish to become fast or the best. Running on a daily basis to gain endurance is part of becoming a top long distance runner. When you are in your race, all the hours you’ve spent practicing pay off.
Running is not only a great activity to have fun but it also keeps you in shape. Getting the 40-50 minute exercise is more beneficial to your health than sitting around and playing Halo 3 all day. Running helps burn fat and slim your figure while strengthening your muscles. You’re not only strengthening your legs but your heart too. The heart has to pump lots of blood when your running and this is very good for your body.
If you are looking for a good way to get in or stay in shape, running is definitely an option you should consider. You don’t have to run in a race but it is a great experience to feel the rush.
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