y: Jonathan Shen
Beginning in 6th grade, I became interested in running because of my excellent endurance and perseverance. With this running benefit in mind, I joined cross-country and track, which not only made me healthier, but also more athletic.
I became interested in running when I saw Usain Bolt sprinting the 100m on TV. From that day and on, I would show off to my friends that I know how to sprint. However, in middle school, I saw how hard running was. Running was no easy task. I joined Cross-country in 7th grade and my hard work began.
Ever since I joined Cross-country in my school located in north Texas in the fall, I had to wake up as early as 6:30 AM to get to school for practice. Since it was close to winter, the weather was a bit fierce, some days would be cloudy and windy, other days could be hailing or raining. The weather was unpredictable and it concerned me a lot when I go to professional competitions because it can influence my running time by a lot.
In Cross-country, I not only have to train but I also have to attend meets and competitions between other schools around my district. Nevertheless, the weather was always bad. I remembered a specific meet held at a high school, that day was stormy. When our bus arrived, it was raining really hard. The 8th and 7th grade girls ran first and then the boys. To make matters worse, I had to wait in the rain and run in the rain when the dirt was extra muddy!
After the Cross-country season, I started to train for my 5,000m. I also realized that I’m more of a long distance runner than a sprinter, like my Usian Bolt dream had led me to believe. I decided then that I’m more similar to a mid-distance runner. My dream became more focused on becoming Hicham El Guerrouj, the man who set the world record for the fastest mile—1600m.
After winter went away, I joined my middle school track team. In Track, I ran the 1600m and the 2400m—the mile and the mile and a half. It was hard and very similar to Cross-country but I didn’t have to run in the mud and rain. Track was a run, takeoff, and finish. On the other hand, Cross-country was a run, keep the pace, be steady, and finish. Both sports are very different but, they are both based on running.
After track season was over, I not only learned how to never-give-up but also sportsmanship and socializing skills. This experience has changed my perspective on life and has made me proud of myself.
In the summer of 2023, I attended a track club called the North Texas Tornados. There, I attended a T.A.A.F—Texas Amatuer Athletic Federation—competition, and I finished 2nd place in regionals! I’m also looking forward to competing in the state championships.
After this hard running work, hosted in the heat all summer long, I took a break in June, 2023. I now run in the gym and on the treadmill, because of how hot it is outside. The temperatures in my region reach higher than 100 Farienheit in the summer and it’s almost impossible to run outdoors anymore.
As Cross-country season begins again in 2023, I’m ready for whatever could be thrown at me. When the starter raises the gun, I will put one foot on the line and as soon as that gun is fired, I will take off.
Beginning in 6th grade, I became interested in running because of my excellent endurance and perseverance. With this running benefit in mind, I joined cross-country and track, which not only made me healthier, but also more athletic.
I became interested in running when I saw Usain Bolt sprinting the 100m on TV. From that day and on, I would show off to my friends that I know how to sprint. However, in middle school, I saw how hard running was. Running was no easy task. I joined Cross-country in 7th grade and my hard work began.
Ever since I joined Cross-country in my school located in north Texas in the fall, I had to wake up as early as 6:30 AM to get to school for practice. Since it was close to winter, the weather was a bit fierce, some days would be cloudy and windy, other days could be hailing or raining. The weather was unpredictable and it concerned me a lot when I go to professional competitions because it can influence my running time by a lot.
In Cross-country, I not only have to train but I also have to attend meets and competitions between other schools around my district. Nevertheless, the weather was always bad. I remembered a specific meet held at a high school, that day was stormy. When our bus arrived, it was raining really hard. The 8th and 7th grade girls ran first and then the boys. To make matters worse, I had to wait in the rain and run in the rain when the dirt was extra muddy!
After the Cross-country season, I started to train for my 5,000m. I also realized that I’m more of a long distance runner than a sprinter, like my Usian Bolt dream had led me to believe. I decided then that I’m more similar to a mid-distance runner. My dream became more focused on becoming Hicham El Guerrouj, the man who set the world record for the fastest mile—1600m.
After winter went away, I joined my middle school track team. In Track, I ran the 1600m and the 2400m—the mile and the mile and a half. It was hard and very similar to Cross-country but I didn’t have to run in the mud and rain. Track was a run, takeoff, and finish. On the other hand, Cross-country was a run, keep the pace, be steady, and finish. Both sports are very different but, they are both based on running.
After track season was over, I not only learned how to never-give-up but also sportsmanship and socializing skills. This experience has changed my perspective on life and has made me proud of myself.
In the summer of 2023, I attended a track club called the North Texas Tornados. There, I attended a T.A.A.F—Texas Amatuer Athletic Federation—competition, and I finished 2nd place in regionals! I’m also looking forward to competing in the state championships.
After this hard running work, hosted in the heat all summer long, I took a break in June, 2023. I now run in the gym and on the treadmill, because of how hot it is outside. The temperatures in my region reach higher than 100 Farienheit in the summer and it’s almost impossible to run outdoors anymore.
As Cross-country season begins again in 2023, I’m ready for whatever could be thrown at me. When the starter raises the gun, I will put one foot on the line and as soon as that gun is fired, I will take off.
