Striding Along - Gate City Striders

WHAT RUNNING MEANS TO ME - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE BY WILLIAM T. HALLIHAN
Running is an activity that I have been around my whole life.
My Mom is a runner and from an early age I observed that,
in general, runners are positive, happy people who support
each other and love what they are doing. Runners share goals to
improve and unlike a lot of other sports runners cheer each other on
even when competing. Being an avid reader I have always browsed
through the various running books and magazines that accumulate
on our coffee table and, at a young age, was intrigued by the healthy
lifestyle that runners enjoy.
I started running half of my life ago. When I was in the fourth grade
at St. Christopher School I joined the cross country team. I had an awesome coach who encouraged us to
have fun and to do our best. She was an amazing role model who inspired me with her “I Can” philosophy,
which I learned to carry with me in all parts of my life. I was overwhelmed when, as a sixth grader,
she presented me with the Coach’s award plaque to recognize my work ethic, teamwork and positive
attitude. I now realize that I gained a lot of self esteem as part of the no cut sport which allowed me to
feel a great sense of accomplishment by reaching goals such as a new PR each year at the end of the
season City Championship Race.
While a student at Nashua Catholic Junior High, I was a member of the track and cross country team both
years. Once again I was fortunate to have coaches who stressed the importance of having fun, supporting
other team members and doing our best. I was honored to be presented with the cross country coach’s
award as an eighth grader. By this time I was hooked and knew that running was an activity that I would
continue for the rest of my life.
As a freshman at Bishop Guertin High School, I had to make a choice between participating in band and
cross country. I chose band since I really enjoy music and realized that band could not be done alone, but
that I could continue running for fun and participating in occasional 5Ks as time allowed. I will always be
a runner. I look forward to using running to help me to stay healthy and in shape while working hard on
my studies in college. I hope to run with other students and benefit from the social interaction, and, of
course, the obvious health benefits.
My future plans for running include running myself, and also encouraging others to participate through
volunteering. I hope to give back to the sport from which I have gained so much by volunteering at some
future races.
July - September 2011 Striding Along 43