A Letter to my Freshmen Teammates
- Morgan Smith
- Feb 8, 2018
- 2 min read
Destiny, Makayla, and Darcy,
Running college track has brought a whirlwind of emotions along with it.
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When I first started as a Freshman, I was pumped.
I was excited to be continuing my career past high school, as track was something that I loved; something that was truly a part of my soul. I was excited to build upon the ability that I'd worked so hard to get in high school.
After things got going, however, this excitement turned to frustration.
Right off the bat, I had a lingering injury from cross-country season, so I had to cross-train for the beginning part of the season. Once I was back to running, I wasn't seeing improvements from high school. I went from being one of the best runners to mediocre. This toyed with my self-esteem big time.
I used to go into races feeling so powerful, but over time this feeling of power turned to a feeling of fear. Instead of toeing the line with confidence, I did so with self-doubt. What if I can't improve? What if I get last?
These thoughts of negativity and fear were bringing me in a downward spiral, heading towards nowhere good.
Then, one day at practice, it suddenly all clicked for me.
It was pre-meet day. I was going through the motions, allowing myself to think about how badly my legs were hurting and how badly I was about to perform tomorrow.
As our mid-distance group huddled around coach to talk about the upcoming meet, he said a phrase that will forever impact me: "Just be Badass".
Three small words, worth a billion dollars.
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Since that day, not much has changed - I have yet to best my high school times, I have dealt with more nagging injuries, and girls are only getting faster.
However, what has changed everything for me has been my shift in attitude. I have grown from a insecure girl to a confident woman who believes in myself and in my abilities. No longer do I fear the external. Instead, I find power in recognizing that I am a badass.
So, here's my message to you: fear will do nothing but hold you back. I know firsthand. It makes you stop straight in your tracks and halts you from living life fully. You have to find it in yourself to throw away that fear within you and replace it with confidence.
Believe that you are badass, and the sky will not be high enough to be your limit.
Love always,
Morg <3
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