Running Wild
8
We asked fellow long-distance runner Kortney Schwartz her story.
Q: What got you into running?
A: One of my friends in middle school somehow convinced me- unathletic, awkward, bookworm me- to join the high school team my freshman year. I spent the whole summer training to prepare for team practice, which started the week before school began. I was a nervous wreck by the time the first day came, so I called my good friend to make sure she would be there. She then informed me that she had decided not to join the team after all. I skipped practice that day, but I never skipped another practice ever since.
Q: What has been the hardest part of running long distance?
A:The hardest part for me is listening to my body's needs. When there is so much to take in with every step, being able to assess my energy levels, amount of water, and risk of injuries constantly has proved difficult. Following a rigid training schedule has pushed me to get out the door and run, regardless of how much I think I need rest. Learning to sense where my "wall" is, and how to jump over or break through it has been the most challenging of all, because sometimes listening to your body means learning how to push through when the going gets tough.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of long distance running?
A: The most rewarding part of long-distance running is not setting a new record, gaining more mileage, or passing a finish line; the richest part comes from finding relationships along the way.