You Are Funny

Running is powerful. It is a rigorous daily commitment that has sculpted the person I am. Cross country has shaped me into a leader, a teammate, and a hard worker. Success in running requires a greatdeal more than talent; it requires dedication and tenacity, much the same as success in life. I have pushed myself to my limits, both physically and mentally, while running. The feelings that coursethrough my body and pass through my mind during a meet are unlike anything else. There are highs and lows in every race, as there are in life. The highs give me confidence, motivating me to continue,while the lows teach me persistence, making me stronger. My sophomore State Championship meet was an arduous challenge that transformed me as a runner. The course consisted of steep hills, unendingdust, and scorching heat. I began the race strong, fast, and focused. I positioned myself in one of the leading groups of runners, using the downhills to surge forward and gain momentum to challenge mycompetitors. I was sweating profusely and dirt was gathering in my mouth, but I extended my strides and kept my eyes focused on the runners ahead of me. The last four hundred meters of the coursecontained an immense, steep, intimidating hill. Halfway up the hill, something drastically changed in my race. Suddenly, my legs felt heavy, stiff, and fixed in one position. My lungs began to burn, Istarted to hyperventilate, and all of my energy was entirely depleted. I collapsed to the ground, where I laid for several seconds and watched my opponents and teammates pull ahead. Somehow, though thememory is blurry, I used my last trace of motivation to cross the finish line, where I immediately collapsed again. My lungs felt like they were withering away, my vision was disappearing, and my bodywas trembling. The last I remember is seeing my coach run towards me with a look of desperation and concern plastered on her face. I didn’t run for months after. Yet, eventually, I forced myself to...