By SOPHIA RIVERA
In recent years, running has grown in popularity, becoming a favorite pastime for millions around the world. From running circles around tracks to serene trails, people of all ages and fitness levels are lacing up their sneakers and hitting the pavement. This growing trend is not only enhancing mental and physical health but also fosters new communities all around. With the rise of local races, this sport encourages individuals to embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Within Washingtonville High School, many teachers and students have picked up this sport. Starting from training as low as one mile to over thirty miles, Mr. Grencer, a math teacher for many years, has expressed that running is a way for him to relax. He is always able to carve out a run on any day.
Just like many others in our community, Mr. Grencer has completed twenty-two marathons and one 50k race. Marathons are a popular race, where most can take you on many scenic courses for 26.2 miles. These races require months of preparation, determination and a solid training plan. This also involves adapting your body to rigorous demands, where many struggle to maintain strong physical and mental health. Mr. Grencer starts his days coming to work, teaching many students, then he completes his run.
Depending on the geographical location you are training in, sometimes it is too easy to want to take a day off. Now while days off are much needed, sometimes you have to continue to push yourself.
Many cross country runners from Washingtonville High School have also talked about wanting to complete a marathon in the near future. Two seniors planning on running in college, Olivia DeCarValho and James Mynio have experienced wanting to take days off of their regular training patterns. They complete very long, and excruciating practices where they run up to thirteen miles a day.
James Mynio explained that running can keep him in shape and it mentally clears his mind from anything that has happened in the day. He stated that when he gets on his run, he can just forget everything on his mind.
Olivia DeCarValho mentioned that running with people that have similar interests and enjoy this sport makes her practices a hundred times better. “I enjoy going to practice because I have people that I am able to push myself with while they are able to do the same with me.” Running continues to drive her in any place of life because it makes her never want to give up and quit.
While these two students continue to prioritize their health, with running they will be able to push themselves to the next limit, a marathon. Going back to Mr. Grencer, he also has claimed that running is a way for him to clear his mind and training with his buddies allows him to also enjoy the sport.
As shown from these Washingtonville runners, this sport is something that you can continue to do all of your life. With the right mindset, training patterns and even some friends, running can be something that you can do everyday.
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