Maura Rose Poling - Lely HS - Athlete Blogs

I Hope everyone’s having a great summer!!!

As this is my first post, I’ll introduce myself. My real name is Maura Poling, but I go by Rosie. I’m going to be a sophomore at Lely High School (3A) in the fall.

For me, summer is a time for reflection. Long training runs supply plenty of time to ponder deep thoughts like, “What does the future hold?”, “What is the right thing to do?”, and, of course, “Why does it have to be soooo hot???” Lately though, the question that’s been running through my mind has been “Why do I run?”

Although it is inquired by others, confused by anyone running more than 3 miles at once, the question is mainly one I ask myself, especially after cross country and track regionals.

Despite being favored to qualify, I devastatingly collapsed before reaching the finish line. Although I have come to realize that every disappointment has a reason, I couldn’t help but wonder “Why work hard if there is no purpose?” This summer, however, has helped me reconnect with my own personal reasons for running.

 
A crucial reason is the friendships. Last year, being a little freshman, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this year I am so excited for the season! Not only is everyone getting physically stronger, our team bonds are strengthening too. We all recognize how much we need each other to succeed and trust that everyone is putting in the effort now. Summer training, while tiring, has brought us closer.

Corresponding with the last explanation, another justification for running, is races. The people and the atmosphere they create is incredible, as is the evidence that hard work does pay off in the long run.

On July 4th, I participated in the local Moe’s Firecracker 5k. My whole family toed the starting line - a love of running definitely “runs” in the family!

My parents, my 13 year old brother, my 11 year old sister, and even my 7 year old sister all ran great times. A lot of my teammates were there and despite pre-race jitters, everyone ran great!

It’s a fun, relaxed race, but also one to gauge where you are in your training. Dropping 20 seconds from last year’s race, I felt strong.

Without school in my schedule, I have also had time to volunteer at a youth running team this summer. These kids who are half my size have supplied meaningful answers to my questions. Running brings them such joy and bliss; their exited smiles just overflow. Their faces are lit up with their shining, wondering eyes and you can’t help but see your own young-self reflected in them. They run because they can and have taught me to run like that too.

I don’t know what the season holds, but reaffirming my reasons for running helps me move forward more motivated than ever. Good luck to everyone in their summer training and I can’t wait to see you in the fall!