Dear Running: You'll Always Have A Special Place In My Heart

Ryan Schoppe is a senior and three time Texas state champion at La Porte High School. In this essay, Schoppe shares his high school experience and his growth in the sport. The Oklahoma State University signee was looking to win his third consecutive 3200m state title. 


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Through the years, running has taught me important lessons in life I think no other sport can. It has taught me discipline, respect and integrity. I've learned to give up the little things in life in order to have the ability to be successful.

Ryan Shoppe, La Porte senior

Running during the summer time in Texas is no easy feat. Its blisteringly hot, it wears you down physically and pushes you to your limits. That's what I love about, being able to push myself to the limit so I can be better than the day before.

The past four years at La Porte has brought me some of the best memories in my life. I've broken records, won state championships, but most importantly I've made lifelong friendships with everyone along the way that I will cherish forever. 

Through the years, running has taught me important lessons in life I think no other sport can. It has taught me discipline, respect and integrity. I've learned to give up the little things in life in order to have the ability to be successful. I think that's something every runner should take into account, if you want to be successful sometimes you're going to have to give up the little things you love. Don't eat junk food, don't stay out to party. Eat healthy and go to bed early. Be on top of yourself and do the right things. If you do that you will be a very successful athlete. 

Now, looking forward; this track season was to be super special for me and many other athletes. I had some big goals that I wanted to accomplish this season. I wanted to go sub 4 in the mile, Sub 8:40 in the 2 mile, and win state in both those events. And by the way, training was going I think I had a really good shot at doing both. Just to see it ripped away from me really hurt, I didn't know what to think, I would have never thought my high school career would end like this. 

To everyone struggling through this tough time. Keep your heads up, don't stop what you're doing. This is just a small bump in the road that's going to lead to greater things in life. Come out of it with a positive mindset, and you will succeed. Keep on staying motivated and when the time comes be ready go and give it your all 

Thank you running for everything you've shown me over the years, you will always have a special place in my heart.



CONTRIBUTE TO THIS SERIES

For whatever your passion, be it running, jumping, throwing, hurdling, etc., if you are a track and field and/or cross country athlete or coach interested in contributing to this series, please send your essay to william.grundy@flosports.tv.