From Wilma Rudolph to Sha’carri Richardson, all of the best track Olympians will tell you that a strong mindset and hard work will overpower strong legs. Most people think track is just running, but it has always been and always will be more than that.

Track is peace, but it can also be pain. Track is happiness and confidence, but it can also be devastating and uncertain. 

There are a few different types of runners such as sprinters, mid distance runners, and long distance runners. I believe that no one can tell you what type of runner you are except yourself. 

On the other hand, I also believe that not everyone is cut out to be a sprinter. I believe that long distance runners are often overlooked simply because sprinting is more popular among the sport. For some people, running long distances comes naturally and it isn’t really challenging. 

Running distances isn’t really about speed, it’s more about keeping a good pace, controlling your breathing, and accomplishing the goals that you set for yourself. 

Track is definitely challenging both mentally and physically. We often give up on ourselves too quickly because our minds give up before our bodies, but if you tell yourself that you can push through, you might be surprised by what you can accomplish. One of the easiest ways to have the right mindset when it comes to working hard is thinking about who and what you want to be. Think about the outcome, but regardless tell yourself that you want to get better. Your body can only take you so far, it’s your mind that makes you keep going.

I’ve come across a lot of people who tell me that they could never run track because they believe that they aren’t fast enough, simply because they aren’t as fast as other runners . You will never think that you are good enough if you constantly compare yourself to others. With everything in life, hard work and patience always beat talent. If you apply yourself and keep fighting, the sky’s the limit.

 Multi-record holding Olympian Allyson Felix once said “Never stop fighting, you are here for a reason and your purpose is bigger than you can imagine. Keep going”. I think about that quote often when I find myself wanting to give up. 

Nothing in life is easy, it’s all about your approach and how hard you’re willing to work. During track season last year I found myself discouraged because I didn’t make the relay team. With faith and willingness to become better, less than two weeks later I improved my time and made two relay teams, I also gained additional sprinting events. 

Nothing in life is ever given to you, it’s your job to take your place and prove that you can do anything that you set your mind to. Always have faith in yourself, regardless if it’s on or off of the track.