ICS Track Meet

Over Spring Break, I traveled with a small component of the ISK Track and Field team to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to compete in a meet at the International Community School (ICS). The odds were against us; it was a higher altitude, the air was dry, the sun was scorching, and we only had 6 athletes, where other teams had over 50.

It was a big moment for me. I have been training for months to lower my personal bests in the 1500- and 3000-meter races. You have never experienced true euphoria until you’ve run so hard and for so long that your lungs and your mind are on fire. Every breath burns through your esophagus in a mad rush to reach your lactate-infused muscles. And yet, as with all stark contrasts, the temporary pain you feel, no matter how extreme, just serves to highlight your success. It is the perennial victory of mind over matter. It is the reason that you can become so addicted to exercise. Your success is tangible; it sears the edges of your willpower. That’s why I never quit running, even when I’ve lost a race or I’ve had homework that keeps me awake until 2 am. It becomes a simple input-output function. The more you train, the better your results. I always wanted to push those results higher.

The Addis meet was the perfect opportunity to do just that. It was my first track meet. I was the only Varsity girl on the ISK traveling team, so I had to represent the entire category on my own.
My nervousness was an electric current coursing through my body. I thought I couldn’t do it. It wasn’t worth the stress. My subconscious began presenting excuses, ways to get out of the meet. Perhaps I felt a slight strain in my calf? I shouldn’t exacerbate it by racing. Was that the first sign of a cold in my lungs? It can’t be good to run while sick.

But when they called me for the race, I forced my resolve into an iron mold and held it steady. To my surprise, it went amazingly. I beat my best time by more than 15 seconds, and snagged a second place ribbon. This was replicated almost exactly in my next race. An unexpected victory came along with this: while collapsed, exhausted in the cool down tent, I met the girl who had beat me twice in a row. We uncovered a connection of sweat and hardwork and sportsmanship. This connection grew into a friendship that I value greatly.

Before the races, I had merely hoped I’d cross the finish line. When I was out there, with the track under my feet, I wanted to win. I discovered my full potential, physically and mentally, and an ambition that I hope I never lose.

Oh, and we traveled with a fantastic group! There is nothing like standing in late-night airport security lines and sharing meals of undercooked pasta to catalyze an undying bond between weary athletes. So, I came home with 2 second place honors and a group of fresh friends.

We sang this song every bus ride. I hope it gets stuck in your head. It’s been stuck in mine for days.

Here’s to many more meets and personal successes!