The goal was to run. I joined thinking about college and extracurricular activities, and I didn’t think anything more of it. Then, I saw my peers flowing in the air, moving so fast in perfect form, happily, and that was enough to change my mind. It was as if I turned into a new person because of the choice I made. That choice turned into a hobby that I loved. A few months had passed, a third of the way into the summer. And there I looked at my pair of shoes, contemplating if it would be worth it; if it would fill the disappointment on my face. 

The goal was to run a 21 minute 3-mile. I ran 21:45 minutes for the race, and I was so content and filled with joy. It was my first time and I was nervous from the day before. Here’s a picture of two of my friends and I. We had just finished our sophomore 3-mile race at the Great Park in Irvine. We were all full of joy because of the achievements that we made that day. 

Whenever I was feeling miserable, frustrated, bored, or somehow emotionally uncomfortable, I would run and play some music on my earphones. (Here’s a song I like to listen to while I run) I created this habit that changed my life, and as a good-for-nothing kid who only studied and played video games, I mean it. I got through because I ran every day. I felt empowered and confident because I knew I was improving and becoming healthy. I was finally doing something with my life. I only wish that I ran more back then. 

Even so, I’m grateful because I wonder what my life would be like if I never made that choice of running. Biologically speaking, running is very influential to the heart and maybe the body as a whole. Cardiovascular exercise keeps your blood flowing, and overall, it benefits breathing. In addition, it builds muscle and prevents injury when doing daily activities. I believe running can be for everyone because it impacted me deeply.

As Oprah Winfrey once said, “Focusing on one thing that you are grateful for increases the energy of gratitude and raises the joy inside yourself.” This is very true; running has brought so much joy for me.