I love to run, whether cross-country, track, or winter track. If you point me in the right direction, I will run until I drop.
Running is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a sport, you probably think of soccer, football, baseball, or anything else that uses a ball. However, running is a sport that exemplifies everything it means to be a sport.
For example, one of the tenements of a sport is the idea of a team. Ideally, teams are unified, close-knit, and driven towards a common goal: victory.
The best team I have ever been a part of has by far been cross-country. All of my closest friends (except for one with asthma) run cross-country and most of them were met through cross-country or track. The time and effort put in, along with an alternating pattern of hardship and extreme joy have bonded us together closer than I knew was possible.
Another thing that sets a sport apart is the physical aspect. Sports are difficult and should definitely have you breathing hard; reaching deep. This is one of the most valuable parts of a sport; its ability to help keep you fit and healthy.
I have been in as good shape as I have when I have been running. Constant physical activity cannot be denied, and neither can the benefits. Running is widely regarded as the best cardio activity, and one of the best to keep hearts healthy. It also releases a bunch of endorphins when you finish, which is always nice.
Running also is an excellent form of competition, which is a mainstay of all sports. The obvious examples of this would be football games or swim meets, but both cheerleading and dance also have intense competition seasons.
The competition of running is unique and ancient. In fact; in 776 BC the first event of the first-ever Olympics was a footrace.
However, the competition is true competition. At a meet, you are all about to engage in a not significant amount of pain to bring home a trophy. Strategy and preparedness are a big part of all races.
Everything matters, from the socks on your feet to when the last time you eat before you run. You also have to make split-second decisions like whether to speed up, maintain your pace, what side of the turn to be on, and when to throw yourself into that last, whirlwind sprint across the finish line.
If you need any more convincing, think about the modern-day Olympics. The people who seem to take what they are doing the most heavily, and fight for their place the most are the runners.
Another essential factor of sports is sportsmanship. Being a good sport, respectful, and altruistic is something that is taught and expected in all sports.
However, in running, being kind and encouraging is not just expected, it is demanded. When we finish our cross-country race, you stick around at the finish and cheer for all of those who come in last and help your teammates stagger to the water station. In races, you clump up with teammates and use that last bit of breath to exhort them forward.
Truly, running is the epitome of what it means to be a sport.
