I cannot live without it

I felt lost, like I didn't have a purpose or reason

I had been blessed...blessed with the gift of education, friends, family...

Somehow I took this all for granted. Until I came face to face with what I loved.

Something about the way the black top smells...the heat waves rippling from it

Sweat and blood scar the curves

Cries of pain and memories of reaching that lactic threshold remain

Track...has become my life

This is more than a picture on a vision board. More than a dream I had last night.

My mind has become enveloped in the possibility of becoming the best I can be

My feet have become emotional and physical vehicles for my ambitions

The callices on my hands and toes bleed and burn...but I love it

The strain on my muscles...the ache in my joints...the fear of pushing too hard or not enough

There is no better way to thank the world for what you are blessed with...than to take advantage of this life

And pursue what you love and to give back

I have learned that there is nothing I need in this world that I can't give myself

There are things I want

But if I love myself then I can be happy

Track gives me discipline, morals, work ethic, drive, and love for myself 

And appreciation for others and the world around me

I could never live without my ability to run