Documenting a Lifestyle

For those that have known me for a few years, then you probably know that I thoroughly enjoy writing. I have been writing various forms of poetry and even stories since elementary school, and to me it feels much bigger than a hobby. It's more than just words on paper or on a computer screen; it's the way language can be portrayed as art. However running is the activity close to my heart, as corny as that sounds. I enjoy running long distances, which is an activity I got into in June 2011. I ended up joining the school's cross country team that year, and I have grown to love and remain an active and supportive athlete through it. However I don't only run for school competitions, I have signed up for other races as well. In September 2011, I ran the 5K (3.1 mile) Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in San Francisco, and after that I felt very inspired to sign up for longer distances. In October, I ran my first half marathon in Downtown San Jose, which was a continuous 13.1 mile run. This past Thanksgiving I ran the Turkey Trot 10K (6.2 miles) again in DT SJ. I also signed up recently for another half marathon in San Francisco for this coming April. My point is, I thoroughly enjoy running, whether that is for a challenge or just for fun. I doubt I could ever pursue a career as a professional runner, however I still want to run. (My current goal is to run a marathon before I graduate high school.)

If a professional running career is too far from my reach (most likely), I'd still like to encourage others to get up and go outside or run. So far I have persuaded about five or six students to join cross country or participate in a city-held race.
IMPORTANT: Anyone's running ability isn't based on how fast one can run a mile or how many miles they have completed, but how hard one challenges him/herself to reach a goal. If you see a runner struggling, encourage them. It really makes a difference.

I often find very motivational stories and tips in running magazines such as Competitor and, my favorite, Runner's World. Most of the authors/writers in these magazines are runner themselves, which give me a thought. I love writing and running, why not combine the two? No, that doesn't mean running a mile and writing a poem, mind you, fellow reader.
The people who work for athletic magazines have a common goal: to positively influence and help other athletes. I think of myself as an enthusiastic person, one that thoroughly enjoys helping others, too. Besides, I'm sure my writing capabilities are worthy of being published in a magazine, especially if I still have plenty of time to improve.
If I were a writer for an athletic magazine, I'd work to motivate others and persuade as many people as I can to get up and go outside. Plus it would be nice to document my various running encounters and experiences, too. Perhaps this is my dream job or just an idea, I've still got time on my hands, along with numerous opportunities awaiting me.

Photos include: Me and some cross country teammates, and another of me post-13.1 miles.