Today out on my run I started to think when I actually started running. The furthest I could remember back was when I lived out in WV in a log cabin on a lake. I would run/play outside for hours on end. My sister and I would race up and down a hill where our swing set sat and make up Olympic Games on the swing set. We would race down to the lake and then back up to the house. I believe that was where it began but that's really just endless energy a kid has.
I moved to south Texas when I was 6, in middle school I became the Volleyball and Basketball manager since you could not compete in school sports till 7th grade. Instead of just sitting around while the girls ran, I would jump in and would run with them. I always ended up being the first one in when they would run a mile. The track coaches noticed this. However my first love was basketball, I only ran to stay in shape.
Having your dad as a coach can be interesting since they realize the potential you can have in a sport. He pushed me hard in track. On Saturdays and Sundays he would say, "Alice, are you going to go run, you know Elia is out there running and I know you want to beat her?" Elia was my biggest competitor in track I always came 2nd to her. I reluctantly went out on my run. I eventually did beat her not till HS though. Sorry Elia, you were a great teammate but you pushed me hard lol.In high school I realized that I was better in track/cross country so I finally gave up volleyball and basketball in 10th grade.
The journey I had in running has given me the greatest opportunities. I attained a scholarship to be able to compete at the collegiate level, I've been able to travel many places, I've been blessed to continue my passion by coaching it.My passion for running has only grown because of the people that I've had pleasure of running/racing with, coaching with, the scenery out on the run, the meditation, and the control I have by doing it.
If the miles behind me could be put into images you would see my efforts, my struggles, my desires, my spirit, but most of all you would see my joy.
Till Next Time,
Alice
It is in your blood. Your dad and I ran the Peachtree Road Race in 1981. (10K). My time was 38 minutes. He beat me by about 2 minutes. Will never forget it. That was before he blew his knees out. Fortunately I still have mine, but I can't run much anymore. Enjoy it while you still can. Uncle Bob
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