For all of those who were on or near the Freedom area school grounds since mid-June, you possibly saw the crazed boys and girls who run around the school and sometimes even into the Rochester area. Usually, once seen, they will shyly dart off in whatever direction they had been running, only to be seen again six to ten minutes later. These beings are known as distance runners. I’ve been one of these for a little over a year, and in that time have been subjected to the question “Why?” more than ever before. For many people, it’s hard to grasp what would possess a person to run for several miles without pause. To those people, this article will offer no help. To understand running, you must do it not just once, but often for a long period of time. It’s difficult, sweaty, tiring work, but the sense of accomplishment and rush of endorphins—the brain’s natural opiate—is worth the pain. The problem that most people have is they don’t give running the chance it needs. No one is born with the lungs and legs necessary to run; it takes six weeks of work for your body to make the proper adjustments. Another difficulty preventing more people from running is themselves. I’ve been a victim of my mind before too. Running consecutive miles can be a scary task, but the hardest part is truly working up the courage to just get started. The steps taken to get to the track are worse than any of the steps taken on it. The sense of gratification and the health factor are both worth getting up and moving. I used to be embarrassed by the short gasps of air when I’d wheeze once I reached the top of a flight of stairs. Now, I can run them two at a time without breaking a sweat. Plenty of people think they’re healthy until they try to run a mile. I personally challenge everyone at Freedom High School to race me for a mile. I’m confident enough to even offer a 30-second head start. Physical health is an obvious benefit of running, but it actually translates into clearer thinking and focus. I’ve never had an easier time with homework than when I’ve just finished a workout. Running is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done. As a runner, I’m mediocre at best, but I’ve found a hobby I’ll never lose. I’m addicted to running and I’ll never give it up. The question is: Who else is willing to give it a shot?