Personal Narrative Essay: The Kite Runner

Taking opportunities gives great memories to look back on. Competitive running has always been a getaway, leading me into a world of peace and balance. The memories and lessons I have gained cannot be forgotten. Being a runner gives you a chance to experience life in a whole different way.
My last track meet was upon me. My coaches have motivated me all season for big meets like this. Sectionals were the only thing keeping my team from State.The whole day was spent warming up and talking about awesome scenarios of winning. Arriving at the meet I was the first race of the evening, the 4x800 meter dash. That race has never been my strong suit and It was thrown in my regular routine mid-season. Warming up, stiff as a tree, I anxiously awaited
The officials were towering over all the runners on top of their stool. Staring over the competitors he waited for no movement. After a few seconds of waiting, he shouted “runners on your mark”. The runners then took their marks, pressing any kind of advantage they could. Silence broke the stadium, everyone standing anxiously to see who would make it to state. The official then says “get set” and “go”. The crowd erupted in cheers for all 16 different teams on the track. My good friend Sam Farmer was the first leg for us, bolting off the starting line he weaved in and out of his opponents. Everyone anxiously watching Sam finishing, with strong upright posture, he handed off to Brandon. The very in shape rival of Sam, Brandon kept on the heels of the front runner. I, watching the race live, waiting for my turn to take the baton was feeling extremely ill. My muscles were tightening by the second, scared to run this horrifically painful race. Brandon rounds his final corner with great strides, keeping our second place position. He passed the baton to me and time stopped. All my anxiety wiped away and it was the track, my opponents, and I. I was holding my own against the other competitors grinding the first lap very confidently. The second lap started and my legs suddenly locked like a sprung bear trap. I was searching for a gut to get me through this race. I started to feel the fatigue I have been experiencing ever since my peak in
The 4x400 meter relay was what I have lived for, ever since 8th grade. All though this has been my destiny, I was not sure if it would be right to run due to feeling ill. Keeping a strong, positive mentality would play a huge factor in my performance. Leaving my previous race behind me was essential to achieve greatness. My coaches pumped my spirits back up, reminding me of how I have positively impacted the team and the amount of progress I have made as an athlete. Race time was upon us and my team and I was on the field warming up. Sam was running with me again along with other excellent runners and friends by the name of Deven Roszell and Matt Franks. I have been the captain of the team for the whole season, being the only senior male that ran the 400m dash in every race since 8th grade. Not running in this race would be a huge missed opportunity to look back on, but I was still hesitant to run. I watched the girls run first and one of my best friends Jackie Leavell, who was also a senior ran. Watching her run, rushed energy through my veins and flashbacks of great memories appeared. I made my split second final decision to run, realizing I have nothing to lose. I went to our 4 man huddle after walking around thinking and told them my final decision. It was our turn to run and I was feeling this bottled up energy filling within me. My good friend Matt was starting the race. He has been an outstanding athlete and easily my biggest