Where Will Running Take You?

Look at that photo! As a self-confessed lover of bright lights and big cities and tall buildings, I must say, I'm jealous! That's Carissa Bowman on the left along with her Biola University cross country teammates at the top of the John Hancock building in Chicago. It was a fun, extra excursion the team took after competing at the NAIA Cross Country Nationals held just north of Chicago in Kenosha Wisconsin.

Marv Alvarez talks about how "running discovers us." It's true. Few kids get into cross country "to become a runner." Usually it's to get in shape for another sport, or to be with their friends. But for many, somewhere along the way, running discovers them. Carissa was no different. She came out five years ago to get in shape for soccer and discovered that she had talent in running. Surprise! Since then, she's traveled all over the country and the state to compete, has seen places and people she'd never have otherwise. What a treat! Running discovered her and has given her experiences unimaginable before.

And she's not alone. Our cross country program has been a lot of places over the years; Alabama, San Diego, Mammoth Lakes, Fresno, San Francisco to name a few. I remember driving into San Francisco with a group a number of years ago, and one of the boys in my car had never been there before. As soon as the famed city came into view, he said from the back seat, "Whoaaaa!" That young man would later use his running to land him acceptance at Houghton College in New York. Nestled near Niagara Falls, he lived for four years in a part of the country that he would never have otherwise, had it not been for running. Two other alums are running and competing in Virginia. Their talent, in part, got them there.

So where will running take you? Keep at it. Don't give up. You just might find yourself looking down on the bright lights of a big city you never thought imaginable. If you don't believe me, just ask Carissa.