Back during the 3rd grade, my class held something daily called D.E.A.R. It stood for “Drop Everything And Run”, and it was the always highlight of my day. The entire class would go outside and run a lap or two around the field, then go back inside to resume class as if nothing had happened. It was humorous yet a great way to get our blood pumping. After noticing how I was finishing two laps before others even finished one lap, my teacher suggested I join the school’s Track and Field team, but it was restricted to students from grades 4 to 7.

As soon as I entered the school year as a 4th grader, I immediately made it a goal to become the best runner on the team. This was the first real routine physical activity I’ve ever experienced in my life, and it made me realize how important physical activity was. For the duration of the entire year, we would have after-school practice twice a week in preparation for the track meet at Swangard Stadium at the end of the year.

Free-Photos. ‘Sprint Track’ 2016. JPG file. / Pixabay

At first I was over-confident, and thought I could be the first to finish the practice laps if I sprinted as hard as I could. This would backfire as it turned out almost everyone on the team could best me, and I always ended up being among the last to finish. I soon found out that pacing yourself and maintaining proper breathing for extended runs is much more effective. I quickly learned as much as I could about proper running and springing techniques until the pivotal day arrived, a competition among other Burnaby schools at Swangard Stadium.

Various different types of events were held, but the ones I remember partaking in were the 100-metre sprint, 400-metre race, 800-metre race, and the 400-metre baton pass. Even though I never got first place in any race, I enjoyed the feeling of air rushing past my face as I ran. I continued to be a part of the Track and Field team until my elementary graduation in 7th grade, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a runner.