Jacqueline+Diaz+2014

Running People ask me all the time how, or why, I continue to run, especially since I complain about it so much. I prefer to think of my relationship with running as one of love and hate. I hate that practice is six days a week, whether there is official practice or not, be there rain or snow. I hate the disappointment that comes after a poor race, when you know that you've trained so hard. I hate that for almost a year I couldn't get my asthma under control and dreaded every run because of it. I hate the anxiety that comes before every race. Despite all those things though, I love it. Nothing compares to the sense of self accomplishment after a good race, or a hard workout. The thrill of racing and pushing myself further than I thought I could go. The runner's high that comes after six or seven miles, and the way I can only really think when I’m on a run. Running is like escaping the world for a little while, you get to be alone with only your thoughts and the burn of your muscles. I love that running is also one of the few independant sports. Its all on you, to train hard and compete well. You have no one to blame if something goes wrong but yourself, and you also have the satisfaction of knowing that when you did well, it was your own doing, and not someone elses. For those who know me but don't run, they cannot understand it. They don't understand that while it comes with pain, it also comes with happiness. When they ask about my runs, they say I’m crazy, but its apart of who I am, and I love it.