The first step out of the door is always the hardest one for me. It would be so easy just to turn around and forget about the long run that I have planned for the cool spring evening. After about five minutes of chilled-to-the-bone pavement pounding, I realize that running is actually enjoyable. There is a force that pulls me forward, that keeps me going when all of my muscles ache, and all that I want to do is stop running. The idea of leaving the day's happenings behind me, and entering a new world that is only mine, is very tempting. Running is an outlet for anger and frustration or just a change from the norm. I am able to start out on my run feeling tired or unmotivated, and than end up feeling calmed and motivated. Some people think that I am crazy because I enjoy running; other people think that it is an awesome experience, but that they could never go out and do it themselves.

I started running the week before school started last summer. Somehow I had convinced myself that I was going to run cross-country. It was the best decision I have ever made because I found a new interest: running. Until last fall I had never run before, and if someone had told me that I was going to become a runner in High School I never would have believed it. Now I am used to the idea of running and I think that everyone who knows me is getting used to it as well. The feeling one gets after finishing a race is indescribable and that, in turn, is what keeps me motivated through all of my races.

When I started running last fall, I had no one to guide me before meeting with my cross country coach. I ended up talking to one of my friends who is also a runner and she gave me the fundamentals of running so that I wouldn't die after my first training run. If you have never run before, I encourage you to give it a try, because there is nothing more rewarding than returning from a long training run and thinking "WoW! I just ran TEN MILES!!"

So please, take advantage of this section designed for you, the beginning runner. This section was designed for you, so if you have any questions feel free to email us!

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Copyright Runner's Oasis, 1996.
Last updated: 8/15/1996