Preview

Personal Narrative Essay: The Kite Runner

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1174 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
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 …show more content…
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 …show more content…
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
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: My 5k Race
    • 623 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Personal Narrative: My 5k Race

    My class and I took a few pictures before the race and we stretched a lot. A few minutes passed by and we had to get in our starting positions. So the race was about to start and there was hundreds of people around me and I was still a little nervous. The guy shot the gun up and I sprinted through many people. About half way through the first mile I slowed down and walked for a bit. Someone came up to me and said to at least jog. So I started jogging and I did that for about a mile and a half. Once it came to the second mile there was water cups, I grabbed two dumped one on my face and the other I drank. Since there was so many people I didn’t even know what place I was in or even how far I was. I was getting really tired but I hung in and sprinted the rest of the way. I could hear the crowd cheering so I ran like Forest Gump to get to the finish line. There was a timer when I crossed and it was about 35 minutes total and I finished.…

    • 623 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: My First Cross-American Race
    • 640 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Personal Narrative: My First Cross-American Race

    The mantra, "breathe in your nose and out your mouth," was the only thing running through my head as I attempted to complete the last half mile of my first cross-country meet, and at least it was running. I on the other hand, was not. I had started the race completely confident in my ability to run three miles, but after a grueling two and a half laps of tripping over tree roots, splashing through mud, and struggling over an enormous hill that marked the last quarter of the lap, I was just ready to go home and take a shower. When my feet crossed onto the threshold of the track where the finish line was positioned, I observed quite a few things. One, the conspicuous red timer was flashing numbers well into the mid-forties range. Two, at least half of the buses in the parking lot seemed long gone. My third and final realization did not occur to me until after I crossed the finish line. As I came to a stop near the water cooler, it finally dawned on me that I had concluded the race in last place.…

    • 640 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: My First Track Team
    • 807 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Personal Narrative: My First Track Team

    Arriving at the stadium I was shocked I felt like such a looser I wanted to cry, but I couldn’t because everyone had their eyes on me feeling like a dam about to burst. This was probably the most embarrassing moment of my life as I was on that track. I was about to walk off the turf and not finish, but then I started to he rhythmic clap from the audience and I knew it was for me. At that moment I started to jog to finish line. I had two forces fighting within me one wanting me to give up and there wanting to keep going forward and not letting people down. If the audience can put the effort to cheer me on, the least I can do is finish. I finally finish and I have never been so happy to finish something in my life.…

    • 807 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: My First Track
    • 533 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Personal Narrative: My First Track

    Two years ago, on a cold Saturday morning, I prepared for my first ever track tryout. I took a shower, put on my clothes, and got into the car. On my way to practice, I felt strong physically, but I also had an undefined, jittery feeling about how the day was going to go.…

    • 533 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Narrative Essay On Running Crisis
    • 468 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Narrative Essay On Running Crisis

    So, this has been my running life journey. My coaches have really helped me this year. They know how hard I take this kind of stuff, I can’t thank them enough for all the pep talks, and encouraging words on my mental game. I get so down on myself during and after races that I’ve been losing focus. It’s just really tough to see my best friend happy and to know I will be back there sometime…

    • 468 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: Coach Rojas
    • 684 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Personal Narrative: Coach Rojas

    As I ran that hill I began to cry because of the pain. I thought my legs were going to give out from underneath me. The pain I was feeling helped me take a few strides that caused me to stumble a little, but soon regained my composure. I was at the top. All that was left was one last final turn, and then the downhill. I could see the finish line in the distance and then started sprinting. Coach Rojas was screaming at me to keep going and not to stop. At this point, my heart was pounding rapidly. My body was worn down, hot and exhausted. Crossing the finish line was the only thing on my mind. For a moment, I blocked off from the race and thought about all the hard work that went into the season. I crossed the finish line and at that moment I knew that I had put my sweat and tears into this race. I couldn’t feel my legs, all I wanted was water. Soon after I heard that we won Second place in the district which was the best the team has won. I felt no pain at this point since I was part of a group of people who loved this sport and put effort into it. It gave me happiness to be part of a team that now was like my…

    • 684 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    The Importance Of Success In Cross Country
    • 681 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The Importance Of Success In Cross Country

    During my first three years of cross country, I was always content with just being an average runner. Despite my intense dislike for running itself, I enjoyed the health benefits that running offered,…

    • 681 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Cross Country Team Research Paper
    • 523 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Cross Country Team Research Paper

    Later that night my mother told me that even if you don't succeed at first just give it time and practice and eventually you will thrive. The following year I went out for the team again and practiced each day, giving it my all remembering how to control my breathing and when to push through the pain. As the cross country season went on and improved my time, and running form, determined to succeed in the future. I have always been a believer in hard work, and I find the harder I work, the more determined I'm to succeed. My last three years of running I made the district team and became a medalist of central Massachusetts as well as a divisional medalist. Views on practice may differ but it does not make you better, it's the attitude and mentality you put into your practice that truly makes a runner flourish. In brief life throws all sorts of challenges in your way not just in sports but in everyday activities. However success is not final it's a water station to refuel your mind and continue on life's journey, failure is not the end, it's just a horrible race, but the will to practice on after an awful race is what…

    • 523 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: Muscle Shoals High School
    • 409 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Personal Narrative: Muscle Shoals High School

    The bus ride to Muscle Shoals High School felt like hours and hours while only minutes had passed. My stomach flipped ferociously like a gymnast on the vault. My friends were trying to hype me up, but I could only focus on the fear and shaking of my body. I was too afraid to move, but too prideful to act as though I was as nervous as I was. As my legs carried me onto the huge field where vibrant reds and blacks were flaunted over the walls and seats, I observed the very place I would spill all my hardwork and dedication and I began to grow anxious. “Just breathe” I told myself over and over and over. I was so busy arguing with myself that I barely noticed the loudspeaker singing my name. I walked to the field and slowly crouched like a lioness hunting her prey. POW. The gun went off and everything became normal to me. Running had become like breathing or eating or sleeping. I no longer feared the idea of failure, but yet embraced the idea of succeeding. I bolted across the finish line with many seconds between me and my opponents. Not only did I win the war within myself, but I helped my team win the entire meet. Everyone can win their battles, you just have to have the will and determination to do…

    • 409 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Personal Narrative: Yohan Blake
    • 1471 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Personal Narrative: Yohan Blake

    My last event was the 200 meter dash and as I got set in my blocks my heart pounded. I was beyond nervous but I knew I had a point to prove. The race started and as I was running the only thing on my mind was crossing the finish line with a new and improved personal record. As I finished, I was out of breath and everything seemed blurry but all I could hear was my coach screaming in excitement. I heard him yell at the top of his lungs, “PR, You did it! I knew you could do it!” The entire night I thought back on my past and could not believe I had just ran the best time I ever had in four…

    • 1471 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: Cross County
    • 868 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Personal Narrative: Cross County

    The time in-between the moment we lined up to the time the gun went off, my palms were sweaty, my stomach was in knots, and my heart was beating at a million miles per hour. I was so nervous I felt like throwing up. Then, in a blink of an eye the gun went off and my mind went blank. It was like no one was around me even though there seemed to be a million people watching me run. However, I was running trying not to die. I could feel my legs beneath me more tired with each step. I could feel the ground push back at me with every step I took. During what seemed to be the longest two miles in my life, I remember coach Buse, my parents, high school runners, and other parents encouraging me during my first run. They said things like, “Keep going, you doing great!!!” and “Pump those arms, stride out!!” All the cheering was dancing around in my head, keeping me positive when I felt like dying. Then all of sudden, that was it, I finally reached the finish line, and I felt so proud of myself. I did it, I didn’t get last and I was surprised with myself. In that moment a huge weight got lifted of my shoulders, I felt relieved. That’s when I realized that running was as bad as I thought it was. I thought that maybe this would be my new favorite thing to do. I finished with the time of 16 minutes and 35 seconds. Which, as I see it, was a good time for being the first time I ran…

    • 868 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Best Breakthrough Athletes Rhetorical Analysis
    • 656 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Best Breakthrough Athletes Rhetorical Analysis

    Next, stay relaxed. What I had were opportunities to compete and run my fastest times ever, but there was lots of pressure involved. Running taught me about staying calm, avoiding anxiety, and…

    • 656 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: Saint Joseph Cross Country Team
    • 661 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Personal Narrative: Saint Joseph Cross Country Team

    In 2008, I was a eight year old and, regrettably, a member of the Saint Joseph Cross Country team. I consistently finished in the last five runners, and despised every moment that I spent training for the race season. Even though I began running cross country in elementary school, I was never a natural. After years, I was allowed to quit. By the time I was a freshman in high school, I had forgotten my hatred of running. After much enticement from my mother - a runner herself - I joined Bowling Green High School’s Cross Country team. Halfway through the first practice, I remembered every reason why I had quit the sport years earlier. Regardless of how much I begged my mom, she insisted that I finish the season. I was stuck with two choices:…

    • 661 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Personal Narrative: My First High School Cross Country
    • 746 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Personal Narrative: My First High School Cross Country

    Ten years ago, my favorite pastime, and still to this day, is to run and compete in track and cross country. Back when my grade school had recess,my classmates and i would compete by running from one side of the field to the other mainly to see who happened to be the fastest of the classes but also to show the coaches what we were capable of doing so in a near future they could assign us a spot in the elementary track team. This is where my passion for running ignited. The adrenaline that rushed through my veins when i ran had a satisfying feeling, especially when i came out in the lead by a few meters. Ten years later, after winning countless cross country and track meets,that same feeling flows like a river as if the rivers were my veins.…

    • 746 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Personal Narrative: My Greatest Accomplishment
    • 575 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Personal Narrative: My Greatest Accomplishment

    At our last track meet, we knew that if we won this game we would be champions. This made us very determined and motivated to work hard. During our track meets, we would push each other to do the best we could. This included yelling motivational words as we watched our teammates run, and cheering them on.…

    • 575 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
    Read More

Related Topics