I’ve been running for almost 20 years and in that time I have run over 27,000 miles and competed in more than 200 races. I knew runners who were faster, had all world coaches, and state of the art facilities to train in year round. Yes, that bothered me at first but I never let it stop me from pursuing my goal of being a great runner.
When I started running as a teenager I had some talent as a runner. I always enjoyed running when I played baseball and basketball as a child, so I summoned the courage to try out for my high school track and field team. When I started running on the team I was the youngest male runner on the distance squad and was training with mostly upperclassman (seniors). Most of those guys left me in the dust in that first month. I felt like quitting hundreds of times but I stayed with it and eventually my hard work payed dividends.
Fast forward several months later and the improvement was dramatic. I went from barely being able to run a few miles to knocking out 15 mile long runs. By the end of the season I was beating every senior on my team in almost every single workout and distance race. I also qualified for the District 6 Championships in the mile. Later that fall I joined the cross country team and the rest is history. By my senior year I was a two-time MVP and 1st team Mountain Athletic Conference All-Star in cross country which is the equivalent of being one of the top high school runners in Pennsylvania.
So what’s my point? Regardless of genetics, background, or circumstances you can exceed all of your prior expectations through sheer will and passion. I still don’t consider myself a great runner but I’m a hell of a lot better than I was two decades ago. Even more important I have found a sport that I truly love that has given me happiness and balance throughout my entire life. Through victory and sorrow running has always been there by my side to comfort me. It’s mine and no one can take it from me. When I’m out there running I feel like a bird that has been released from a cage. I am free. I am one with the universe.
Greatness is inside each and every one of us. All you have to do is try and you will be amazed at how far you can go. Never surrender.
Alex Reid
Move At Will 