“When your legs can’t run anymore, run with your heart” is a phrase my cross country and track coach, Ross Bartell, often repeats to my team. Running is an exceedingly demanding, yet rewarding, sport which constantly challenges and strengthens the mindset of an individual.
The hardest part about running isn’t the motion itself, but instead the ability to remain motivated enough to put on your shoes and get out the door. Undeniably, being physically prepared is a necessity for running, but as most may assume, it’s not the main factor. With hard work and dedication, there comes a point in a runner’s career where the basic training needed to maintain the athlete’s physical abilities is reached, but in order to truly excel, retaining a stable mental state is crucial.
Similar to training the body to be able to race the miles, it’s possible to practice strengthening the mind to battle through uncomfortable situations. Different individuals utilize different methods of mental stability; whether it’s zoning out from the task at hand, narrating yourself through the motions, or seeking praise from those around you.
Within my two years a part of the sport, I’ve experienced placing first in a race, as well as dead last, and what kept my passion for the sport alive is my mentality.
Sometimes while racing, your mind becomes beyond exhausted from the physicality of the task that you can’t think enough to push yourself. When dealing with a sport as mentally challenging as running, having an external voice to guide your thoughts makes all the difference.
Having coaches to cheer and encourage you while you’re racing not only allows you to focus on something besides the pain, but it also reminds you of the goals you’ve created for yourself and all that you’ve worked for.
My coach is a runner himself, so the words he speaks to my team are relatable and significantly beneficial to our performances as runners. An important factor for the development of an athlete’s mind are the people who guide them and build up their skills.
Coaches are the ones who see their athletes at their best and worst moments, and how they respond makes all the difference.
Moreover, your teammates contribute to the strengthening of your mind tremendously.
Creating such close relationships between teammates is difficult, but when each individual is instilled with the same core values, it creates unbreakable bonds. Whether it’s running countless laps together around the track in the summer heat or pushing as hard as your legs can allow up a steep hill, knowing there’s people you care about undergoing the same challenges boosts morals.
Whether it’s competitive or even a few minutes outside the house, I strongly recommend trying out running.
The habit of consistency nourishes the mind and the emotional skills developed through the sport will be reflected throughout an individual’s life.
Editor’s note: This piece was written by Grossmont High School student Panagiota Georggin.
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