7. Being Your Best

Lesson: If there is something in life that you can't do, it's probably because you choose not to do it. 

I used to HATE running. I walked the "mile run". My benchmark for success was to just finish before the intellectually disabled kids. (I'm was filled with shame when I wrote that). I joined track. That lasted a solid 3 weeks until I ended up in the hospital due to sports related injuries.

Then I moved to the city.

I realized that sometimes I can catch a bus that is arriving in 1 or 2 minutes if I run. Like Forest Gump, I run. I hear Jenny saying, "Run, Brianna, Run!" The spirit of Marion Jones and Carmelita Jeter fills me when the "Next Bus" app tells me I have 2 minutes to get to the bus stop that is 7 minutes away. It is the difference between waiting in the cold or having a victory party- complete with the Rocky Theme Song- in my head as I enter the bus breathless.

I used run on the treadmill at the gym but running outside the gym is different. S.F. has so many hills, and I am always going up hill when trying to get to my bus.The treadmill moves for you; concrete doesn't. I usually have some giant bag, the big old boxes I have to lug around for my job, or something that slows me down. Typically, I run down the hill, trying to eat my breakfast, carrying my school bag, trying not to trip and roll down the hill.

The best part is when I get to the designated bus stop and find out that it is actually 5 minutes away. FML.

I can run... when I want to.

If I would have pushed myself in high school I probably would have been a good runner. Maybe not a star athlete, but at least I could have ran a mile in 10 minutes. Even though I finished slightly faster than the intellectually disabled kids they were better runners than I was. They gave it their best shot. Their benchmark was to do better than they have ever done before, while my benchmark was to just not be last.

I still hate running for a bus... but I find myself doing it at least once a week. I can't go back and run the high school mile in 10minutes, but I can learn from the intellectually disabled kids. Strive to do better with each test. There will always be people who are faster than you, smarter than you, prettier than you, wiser than you. It really doesn't matter because we are all going to get to the same finish line. The race will only reveal your character: either you are someone who strives to be the best they can be, or you are just another slacker that just gets by in life. 

Those who strive to do better have added benefits in life. If I would have ran part of the way I would have probably lost a couple of extra pounds, had a bit higher self esteem, and probably gained a little respect from the P.E. teacher if she saw I was making an effort to improve each time.

I leave you with this quote: "In life, you either have the things you want, or the excuses why don't."