As senior Catherine Richardson crosses the finish line, she tries to catch her breath and looks down at her feet, realizing how much hard work she has put into her last cross country season of her high school career.
“I was really nervous because this was potentially my last race, but I was also ready for what was about to happen,” Richardson said. “The race was content and although I did not qualify for state this year, this was still one of my better races.”
Richardson has been running for about 11 years and since then, she has been expressing her passion by competing in all the schools she’s attended during her adolescence years. Richardson believes that all the hard work has paid off.
“Running has changed my life in a way; the way I eat, act, and see myself revolves around running,” Richardson said. “It’s now a part of my lifestyle.”
One of the most memorable experiences Richardson has undergone includes when she competed at the state cross country meet twice during her high school running career.
“I will always remember the news of getting qualified to state,” Richardson said. “I freaked out. My coach, mom, and dad were very proud of my performance, it was the best feeling in the world.”
Although times may get tough for Richardson, she doesn’t give up. She believes you have to go through struggle to develop the strength.
“It’s always been hard to have a positive attitude through tough times,” Richardson said. “Because I got sick during the season, I couldn’t get as far as I wanted to. I might not have gotten what I want out of it, but I learned something along the way.”
Richardson plans to run for the University of Norte Dame, University of Oklahoma, or the University of Arkansas. She believes these schools will not only give her opportunity for recognition, but also offer a great program for her pursued career.
“Of course I love running, but I thought this race would have been my last race ever,” Richardson said. “This race has made me realize that I don’t want to stop my running career just yet ,nothing will be the same but I’m ready for what god has planned for me.”
Richardson will continue to go far with her running career. She believes that running will leave a legacy in her that will live on forever.
“I’m not just moved by my own two feet, but also by the passion of other runners resilience and unbreakable bonds I have made with my teammates,” Richardson said. “Running is hard, cross country is hard, but it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done and I wouldn’t give it up for the world.
