"Don’t expect to be on Varsity, you’re only a freshman, but if you do get on, great! You’ve got the talent, now it just depends on the rest of the team."

I looked at my father. His blue eyes were watching me, waiting for a response. Taking in a deep breath, all I could do was smile. My heart raced faster as runners trickled into the building.

Standing up and pulling down the edges of my short running shorts I took a shaky step towards the doors, where inside, a team of coaches and athletes awaited me.

It was my first day of High School cross-county and I will always remember it. But not for the torturous hills and long miles we ran but for the words my father had said to me. I had come into the season with no expectations, but of course, wanting to be the best. My father’s words rang in my ears for the entire first half of the season, inspiring me to become the best.

The fact that my father believed I had the talent to be one of the best and as one of the youngest, meant a lot to me. By the end of the year not only was I on Varsity but I was the top Varsity runner.

"I knew you could do it! Now aim for the top!"

Ever since that day, my dad has continued to influence me, especially in my running but in other area of my life as well. He has always been there for me. He is at every race inspiring me to do my best and run my hardest.

His support and motivation has made me the best I can be and I hope that not only in the final races of my High School career will my father be there for me, but also throughout the rest of my life.