What Was It?

"There are clubs you can't belong to, neighborhoods you can't live in, schools you can't get into, but the roads are always open." - Nike

What was it that first got you hooked? that gave you the itch? that made you want to be out there, on the road, on the trails, running? What was it that turned you from a tomboy into an athlete?

For me, it was this quote by Nike. It hung above my bed scripted across a poster of a girl running by a white church on a golden evening. There were no hills, there were no roads, just the girl, her legs, thistles of grass, and the open territory.

For me, I envisioned myself being that girl. I envisioned myself running quietly through the open fields using the muscles and strength that God gave me. She looked so calm, so collected, and so strong.

Though, I am pretty sure I got the itch many years before I got the poster. My dad used to time us running around our house. Unfortunately I was always behind my sisters. Sally and Abigail would power through, lift their elbows, and block me out. They were sprinters. It wasn't until much later that I realized I was a long distance runner.

Running and athletics has always been a large part of my life, and a way for my family to bond with eachother. When my family gets together, we still find the time to run, bike, throw the lacrosse ball, hit the tennis ball, or just go for an evening walk. Now it is less about competition, and more about spending time with eachother.

But that is how I got my itch, and my family is what helps me to keep scratching it. They will be there to welcome me at the finish line of the marathon. Hopefully my dad will still be timing me.