Below are the words of one last years Captain's Bridget Kelly. Hopefully you all take something from your experience this year and let her words continue to inspire you.
I believe that running teaches valuable life lessons.
I believe running has taught me to put others before myself. One specific instance which comes to mind was during one of the toughest races, when I was also suffering from a severe illness. During the race, I threw up while climbing up a hill, and told myself I would stop after the first mile. However this was a cross country race, where our team had put the best seven runners on the line to compete for a title. I knew that I was hurting for something greater than my personal time, and that there were six other girls out there chasing the same goal. In life, people may not be willing to volunteer their time or money if it inconveniences them in some way. However, it is far more rewarding to sacrifice yourself for the greater good. Everyone has their own struggles, but those who can put these pains aside to assist others are the true victors.
I believe running has taught me that every challenging uphill is met with an equally awarding downhill. The bowl is a hill at Holmdel park. A mile long loop featuring an extremely long and steep uphill, followed by a decline. Sometimes when racing up the bowl, with another mile and a half left in the race, I only focus on the neverending incline before me, and the burning in my lungs and thighs. It is important, however, to look beyond the top of the hill, and to let the lure of the downhill take my mind off the pain. When life hits you like a hill workout, and it seems as though your suffering will go on for miles, stay hopeful for what is yet to come. The hardest races or workouts will seem minuscule in an hour or two, and the pain you’re in during them will end as well. A positive mind set is a choice, and focusing on the good takes your mind off whatever it may be that you are struggling through. Each day brings its fair share of struggles and gifts, and the uphills feel easier knowing the reward waiting at the top.
I believe running has taught me that there is no finish line in life. Victories come and go just as quickly as losses do, and no battle is ever over just because the clock stopped running. I hope to continue running for as long as I can, and I take comfort in the fact that there will always be another starting line with an empty spot on it. Although my high school career may be winding down to an end, I will take with me the wisdom and strength that I have learned over the years, as I embark upon whatever race may come my way. I will forever be experiencing the rush I feel on the starting line and the relief I feel crossing the finish line, no matter what the race may be.
