Running is the link to who I am and who I was.
With who I am because it makes the mind and the body, the inside and the outside, come into complete tune. When I run, both interact in the purest and simplest way possible, with no frills or ornaments. As Ortega y Gasset said, I am me and my circumstances. Running is what comes closest to isolating me from my circumstances and therefore, what should remain is purely me. I think we all need to return to that "just me" from time to time in some way. I run.
With whom I was because it links me to generations and generations ago, much farther back than anyone can remember, to the beginning of our times. Running as the most rudimentary form of movement is not only an unquestionable connection to our ancestors but it appeals to our very animal essence, to the nature from which we came and to which we always return.
For each person running or athletics means something different and personal.
“The truth is that for me athletics means a very important part of my life. I started when I was eleven years old and since then I liked it more and more. I combined soccer with athletics but in the end I was inclined towards the wonderful world of athletics. Since then I was forming as a person and always enjoying what I was doing. The person who introduced me to this world was Felipe Barata, my current coach, to whom I am eternally grateful, also to my teammates with whom I share training sessions every day. So I hope to continue enjoying athletics even in this new normality that is emerging”
- María Carballido
“I discovered athletics ten years ago. Now, at the age of twenty, it is part of my daily life. For me it is a way of disconnection, of self-improvement, effort and constancy, of giving the best of me, of incredible experiences, of travelling doing what I like best and meeting incredible people”.
- Raquel Meaños
“For me I have a few ways to interpret running. Running is a way I can clear my mind and one thing I can keep constant. During runs and training is difficult but the feeling after the hard work you put in pays off, it’s one of the best feelings”.
- Saundra Parsons
“To me running is like therapy, when everything in the world seems to be going wrong or life is stressing me out the only thing that calms me is going on a run. Running brings me determination and freedom, freedom to be the best person I can. Running reminds me of the importance of hard work, it always pays off in the end so never give up”.
- Cammeo Ramirez
“Athletics means a lot to me because it's like a drug, that when you try it you get hooked (usually) and it happened to me with this sport, which for me is not a sport but a way of life. Doing athletics made me trust myself and learn to suffer, not only in athletics but in life, and that everything has a sacrifice”.
- Carolina Santos
“When I do athletics, for a moment I forget about all the problems around me. But this sport not only helps me forget but also taught me many things like the importance of companionship and the true meaning of effort.”.
- Ana Vallines
What does athletics mean to you?
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