When I committed to running a marathon, I became immersed in the vibrant community of long-distance runners. I connected with them on running blogs, at the race expo, and at mile 18. I have learned that, for many of these people, running is a refuge from stress or sadness. For others, it's a way to take care of their bodies and test their limits. They do not compete to prop up their egos. They run because they are striving for better versions of themselves. My greatest joy of the race came from the unique bond created by our shared physical distress and our common pursuit of self-improvement.

I seek to create this sense of community within my cross country team. I rally my troops by hosting dinners and sleepovers at my home, sneaking personal notes into bags before meets, and creating Paper Plate Awards to acknowledge the contributions of my teammates. I hope that these small acts will help them feel a sense of belonging on the team and develop a connection to the sport. With a passion for running, they will realize that success lives in discomfort. The pain of running is temporary, but its benefits are lasting.