I have been running for about three years now. I can say that I was not a real “runner” until I went to college and was no longer on a team. Then all the running I did was on my own, for me. I noticed that I use it as a stress buster and have different runs for the different emotions I might experience in a given day. I ran for Catonsville High School track; 4xmile and 4x8! During the of season I do occasional road races in the 8k and 10k. Haha, right now the typical training week looks like no more than 8 miles because I am trying to put on weight. I run a lot less now, lift weights, and try to eat until I am stuffed, then eat some more. I am starting to forget my records, I really dont know the exact times anymore, I ballpark it…normally in my favor. Now when I run I just do it for the run. My most memorable expereince was when I broke 5 in the mile with the help of my 4xmile teammates; each member paced a lap and then Casey ran the last two laps. My highest running achevemnt was fostering the discipline to do it once I was no longer on a team. I never thought that would happen. My future goal is to put on weight. Once I get to the weight I want, then ill start running more again and try to maintain what I put on. Advice?...Do it because you like it, or don’t do it at all. If its not fun you’ll just be miserable. I wish I had learned the value of stretching…actually I’m still learning. My toned abs keep me motivated, its as simple as that.

Jordan Taylor
Age: 18