As a varsity cross country and track athlete, I have participated in rigorous long-distance running for almost three years. I've covered thousands of miles, run around the track too many times to count, and chased a new personal best dozens of times. During my athletic career, I've noticed physical and emotional changes that no other activity or extracurricular has succeeded in replicating.
When I first started cross country and track, my lungs burned and my muscles ached every time I took a step. Every time I went to bed, I wasn't able to lie still. But after pushing through the mental challenge of showing up to practice for the first few weeks of my running career, it wasn't a challenge anymore. I became leaner, stronger, and my endurance began to improve. I started to do better in P.E. and actually compete in races. I was even able to fall asleep faster and eat more healthy food because I was exhausted from practice earlier that day.
But these weren't even the most unexpected results of running. I was suddenly more attentive in class and scoring higher on tests. I was enjoying the activities I took part in more and felt happier when hanging out with friends or family. Even when doing my homework or studying, I was able to get through the mental challenge because I knew that I had already faced far worse by pushing my body to its limits during practice and races.
And just like that, everything changed. I still look forward to the end of the school day, but for vastly different reasons than before. I look forward to chatting with my friends and teammates while running on recovery days. I look forward to the sense of accomplishment I know I'll experience on workout days. I look forward to cheering on my teammates and potentially beating my own personal records on race days.
Now, I can't imagine life without running. It has become the part of my daily routine that keeps me fit, happy, and healthy. That's why I recommend long-distance running to everyone (especially if you can find a running club or a couple consistent running buddies). It's not just something to keep you active. It's something that changes your life.