The High School Experience™

By Maura ‘Rosie’ Poling for DyeStatFL

One of my friends lamented to me a while ago that I was “missing out on the High School Experience™” because of running. I don’t go to sleepovers during season (so, all year), I can only stay until halftime at football games (meets are the next day), and I skipped Prom because States was the same day.

As I listened to her, she explained that Senior Summer™ is very important element in the High School Experience™. You have to have adventures, seek excitement, leave no stone unturned. “You can’t do all that if you just run all the time!” she exclaimed.

After the conversation I first wondered, “Am I doing this right? Am I experiencing my high school years in the way I’m supposed to?” There’s always a fear that you are missing out on something and that you are going to look back with regrets on wasted time. Upon reflection, however, I realized that running was integral to my High School Experience™ and (most importantly) to my character development.

My version of the Senior Summer™ was full of what I like to call “rave runs”- runs so incredible you can’t stop “raving” about them. I ran through the muddy, twisting hills of Costa Rican rainforests, surrounded by luscious vegetation and the melodies of vivacious, exotic birds. I ran along deserted railroad tracks in Ohio, retracing my dad’s childhood paths and seeing the world from his perspective. I ran along the rim of the majestic Grand Canyon, peering down into the abyss and reflecting on the forces that made its layers possible. I ran up and down the breath-taking Smoky Mountains, surrounded by blooming wildflowers and my teammates.  I ran at the beach during pink sunrises and I ran over bridges during orange sunsets, forever delighted by the beauty of the sky. I ran on the same roads that I’ve been running since 6th grade, with both the sun and rain streaming down. This summer I ran not just to clock in miles, but also to experience life in its most raw and awe-inspiring form.

While my Senior Summer™ may not be typical, I wouldn’t want it any other way. My High School Experience™ would not be complete without running; the friendships I’ve acquired and the memories I’ve made through running have meant the world to me these past 3 years. Running has made me a better person than when I first stepped on the track freshman year, teaching me about what it means to never give up and stop doubting yourself. Throughout my years, running has become spiritual for me- somewhere on a run I simultaneously find and create who I am and who I’m going to be, where I am and where I’m going to be. Without running, my High School Experience™ would be incomplete.      

So here’s to one last season of muddy spikes, Saturdays spent in an orange singlet, my parents cheering by the finish chute, pre-race pb&js, post-race Wendy’s, motivating “Pre” quotes. One last season of nervous warm-ups, begrudgingly-run cool downs, empowering team huddles, advice from Coach about “tangents”, long, sleepy bus rides, hard-fought-for trophies, pasta dinners. One last season, one last chance, to run cross-country for a school and a team and a lifestyle I’ve come to love. I know that this chapter in my High School Experience™ will be the best one yet.

Have a great season everyone!

Rosie Poling by the numbers:

800m – 2:30.74

1600m – 5:24.18

3200m – 11:26.52

5000m – 18:57.50