TEEN ESSAY: Mind and body work together in running

<p>Running is an individual sport. A runner may be a member of a team, but in the end, the result of the race depends solely on one person: You. Regardless of the speed or strength of your body, without mental stamina, your endurance, performance and potential always will have limits.</p><p>I was a novice cross-country runner entering my sophomore year, as it was my first season participating in the sport. I had been blessed with success throughout the entire season and finally the end was nearing. This meant the last meet before the state championships was approaching: North Coast Section. This race would determine which teams and individuals would qualify to compete in the state meet. Coming into the race, I had little idea as to where I would place; I only knew one thing, it was vital that I finish in the top 10 to move on.</p><p>As the race began, I employed my typical race routine and burst ahead to the front of the pack. As I settled into a manageable pace, I realized something significant: I was in front, which meant I had a chance not only to finish in the top 10, but to win the entire race. Eventually, I whisked by the 2-mile mark, having yet to be passed by a single runner. All I had to do was stay in the lead for less than a mile more and I would be crowned with the title of North Coast Section champion. I used a downhill section to quicken my pace, hoping to gain an even greater distance between myself and the individual in second place. However, as I reached the bottom of the hill, I detected faint shouting in the distance. I turned my body and suddenly felt numb as I watched the runner in second place pass the top of the hill and disappear, turning left instead of right. I had taken a wrong turn and had lost my first-place position that I had worked so hard to maintain.</p><p>With that realization, I desired nothing more than to collapse on the ground in tears of agony. But I knew that would merely make things worse. My body felt completely drained of energy, but I thought back to my original goal of placing top 10 and scrambled back up the hill before I fell even farther behind, knowing I would never have given up my position willingly and I had just as much mental strength, if not more, than the girl who had taken my spot.</p><p>As I raced up the final hill and noticed my competitor beginning to lose speed, I pushed myself harder than ever. Despite my burning muscles, racing heart and labored breathing, I utilized what energy I had left to pump my arms vigorously and push forward with my weary legs. And as I crossed the finish line, I knew I had not only outrun all my competitors, but I had won the race because of my confidence in myself, mental toughness and the know-ledge that I had the ability to win.</p><p>In a sport where the only person you can rely on is yourself, mental strength may be the only factor that keeps you running.</p>