... the time when I decided to become more involved and join the track team with the impression that running was a God-given talent held by all. Many track runners seemed to think otherwise, but the possibility that running could fit well with one group of people over others just never occurred to me. The world turned upside down ... and my perception changed as quickly as the snap of a finger with the progression of the tryouts. Only then did I realize that runners seemed to be flickering in and out of existence like fireflies on the field only because of dedication and hard work. I though...

• Word Count: 288
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: High School

... was a game we liked to play at night. The way to play the game is to find a place to hide right near a road. One person is the caller, and everyone, including the caller, are runners. Everyone waits for a car to come, and as it gets closer the caller calls it. The caller continuously says "red light," ... until the car is real close. Then at the last second he or she yells green light and everyone bolts across the road in front of the car. The ... point is to run across the road fast enough so the car slams on the brakes, but also out in front of the car so one gets run over ... much at...

• Word Count: 896
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... the rigid covers of the hard covers, all calling me to pick them up. Just below the slightly acidic smell of paper and ink you can smell the sweat of runners who take a moment to peruse the latest self-help releases. The unwashed stick lingering from the wandering homeless looking for a moment's shelter lingers by the benches and chairs where they ... go. It is important not to let this kind of experience leave one unaffected. Charles Kuralt was once asked how he found all the wonderful stories for his "On The Road" segment, he simply said, "Look out your window." ...

• Word Count: 546
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School