Don't Give Up Running

I started running for my high school cross country team last year as a sophomore. Towards the end of the season while doing a workout of hill surges I realized what I wanted out of my running and how running changed my life for the better.

Ever since then I have been chasing my goal to be on varsity but it always seems to be taken away from me due to injury.

The quote that keeps me going is by lengendary distance runner Steve Prefontaine:

"A lot of people run a race to see who is the fastest. I run to see who has the most guts who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more."



I may not have been first in my life or the fastest runner. That day while doing hill surges to prepare for Mt Sac I realized what I wanted out of running. Each time you lace up your shoes its a chance to be extraordinary. To push yourself, not to run with your legs but your heart. Everything my heart desires, I'm doing it for God. I thank him everyday for putting running in my life and blessing me with such great coaches. "PAIN IS TEMPORARY" transcend and go above and beyond. This is everything I want and need of my magnificent obsession.

To chase the wind and never be caught. To give people a glimpse of God when I run. When running is effortless I know God is with me to be transcendent. To inspire people not to give up and keep trying. God never gives up on us so don't give up on him, don't give up on yourself.

"...those who hope in the lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles."
Isaiah 40:31



To me that's the beauty of setbacks it can show you who you really are. This Saturday is my first race and I am going to run my heart out. I may not be varsity but I know God has some special plan for me and you just have to have faith and if you believe it will happen.

Comments for Don't Give Up Running

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Sep 12, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
dont give up
by: Anonymous

keep your head up high and work hard everything will fall into place. Trust.Your.Faith

May 22, 2012
Rating
starstarstarstarstar
thanks for sharing
by: Anonymous

I totally know what you mean! I've been running since 7th grade, but started Cross Country my sophomore year. Let me tell you: NEVER GIVE UP!! Sophomore year I was definitely back of the back, there for the ride and to talk to people, but soon my times were improving like crazy and I really gained my love of running! It is such a confidence boost! It's also so amazing to know who is behind you and helping you through. My Junior year of track went so much better than Sophomore year! I improved by more than 30 seconds in the mile. JUST KEEP AT IT! You never know when it's suddenly going to click. As for inspiration, I definitely agree. I like to hum hymns sometimes to myself on hard runs to keep me going. I also love team prayers before races, they're the best:).
From a fellow runner.
Good luck! Keep running!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to YOUR Running Stories.



Like this page:


Share this page:
Follow Best Running Tips:


What's New?

  1. In the Army - Improving my 2 Mile Time

    I am a 36 year old male who just joined the army. I have not run any long distance so I tried on my own to train and was doing ok but my times are still

    Read more

  2. Marathon Diet - Improve Nutrition to do Better at the Marathon

    I have got a question about my marathon diet. I have been an athlete all my life; mostly a runner, but cycle long distances sometimes. I am training

    Read more

  3. Beginners Running Program 3 - Go from 0 to 30 Minutes of Running in 12 Weeks

    beginners-running-program-03.jpg
    The third beginners running program of Best Running Tips might be the best one. It is definitely the most popular. Get from couch to 30 minutes of solid running in only 12 weeks!

    Read more

  4. Calories Burned Calculator - Calculate the Calories Burned While Running with This Calculator

    This calories burned calculator calculates the calories burned while running, based on your weight and the distance you ran.

    Read more

  5. Asthmatic Non-Runner With a Need to Run - 1.5 Miles in 13 Minutes

    Truth be told I am NOT a runner. I can walk a 14 minute mile all day. But running, not me. I have had asthma since I was a child - severe through all

    Read more

  6. Second Half Marathon in a Month - Should I Run It or Not?

    Hi, I ran a half marathon a month ago, but have not done any great distances since, 6 miles max. I'm thinking of doing a half marathon this Sunday

    Read more

  7. Running a 5k - Can I Be Faster at 30 Than I Was at 18?

    I started running at 13 in high school. I ran cross-country, indoor and outdoor track. My track coach was very informed and my PRs were 800 - 2:22,

    Read more

  8. Faster Minute Mile for 5K races

    I'm 40 years old and I started to run consistently four months ego. My running pace went from 9 minutes miles to 7:30 minute miles in a 5k. Is it realistic

    Read more

  9. I Need a Good Marathon Running Program

    I am devastated. I ran my second marathon last weekend. I ran a marathon six months ago as well, but at about the 19-20 mile mark my legs cramped up...

    Read more

  10. Is 20 to 30 Training Miles Enough to Run a Half Marathon

    I have been a committed runner for a year and a half now and have completed two half marathons with over a dozen 10k races! I have been keeping running

    Read more