- 2019 Highlights #2
Personal Statement
I've been running since 4th grade and have competed at a national level throughout middle school while doing less than 10 miles a week. When I entered high school, it was hard to adjust from only running 3 days a week to everyday practice, which led to my injury right after winning the freshman mile at indoor nationals. I was so disappointed because I had to sit out until late July. The very next Indoor season I decided to take a strong acne medication and almost immediately, I was hit with strong joint pain and became very injury prone. I was very surprised that I was able to race at nationals after a week on the medication and even got a PR. I ended up taking almost 9 months off of running and pretty much all physical exercise from this. I was able to start running again in mid-October of my junior year and was ready enough to lead my cross country team to a Maryland 4A West Regional title.
Going into the indoor season I was hoping those injuries would be behind me but one day after an easy run I got up from the couch and my heel was aching with pain that would get worse and worse with every step. I thought it was a stress fracture and could see my outdoor season fading away but luckily it wasn’t, it was some tendinitis in my heel and was caused by a sudden shift in training (9 months off to running again). I had to sit out until late February early March where I would rebuild my base and try to throw together an outdoor season. I ended up getting big PRs in the 1600 and the 800 and won my heat at New Balance Nationals.
Although those injuries were major setbacks, they have helped me learn a lot about myself and the sport. The many months of physical therapy triggered my interest in becoming a physical therapist myself so I can help others get through what I've been through. I haven't been able to complete a full summer of training in my whole high school career due to injury. I only run around 30 miles a week, so I know I have a lot of room for improvement. Since freshman year I have grown from that kid who was too immature for anyone to take seriously, to the captain of the team and someone who leads practices. Over my years of running, I have learned that I'm a super competitive person. I am seldom satisfied with myself and am always looking to improve. Throughout the months of being injured, not once did I want to give up on this sport. Running has always been really enjoyable to me and has brought me so many opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise. There's so much I want to accomplish with my running goals and I believe I am just getting started.
