Answer:
Growing up, I always loved running. Using my feet made me feel free. I felt as if i was able to go anywhere. When i used my feet, i was never trapped. About 5 years ago, i started training to run a marathon. I never thought i'd run a marathon. Running was merely a hobby. It never crossed my mind that i could actually take it seriously. When i started training, i realized, truly , how much it takes to run a marathon. It was no longer just running. This was a serious event, and i was going to take it seriously.
And so i did. I trained for a year. Every morning running five miles. Stretching. Hydrating. Staying healthy. It was a lifestyle choice. I've always been a fairly healthy person, even as a kid but this was a change.
After about a year of training, the day finally came. I remember standing in from of the start line and the air crisp. When the horn blew and i was able to go, my feet took off. I just couldn't stop. I felt as if i was born to do this. Almost like my whole life lead up to this one day. This one moment. After about running for 30 minutes, i began to pace myself. I would be sweating and it tasted like salt. There were water stations and i would stop, hesitantly, afraid of falling behind.
After 2 hours, i finally made it to the finish line. I've never felt more triumphant in my life. I looked up at the blue skies and the people around me. I felt good. I was in the top 5 to make it through. People around me were ringing bells and whistling, and then i finally knew what it felt like to be truly passionate about something.
Im in k12 as well. Not 8th grade though. haha