Patch has been asking athletes from high schools throughout the East Bay to write a column about why they participate in their sport. Here's some thoughts by Northgate High's Danny Stalters, who won the 800, 1600 and 3200-meter races at his league championship meet.
By Danny Stalters
"Why do I run?" That is a very good question and one that I don't really have a direct answer for.
I started running because I saw some "cool" kids in my class waiting for practice one day. This was when I was in third grade.
I later learned that my dad was an accomplished runner when he was in high school and college. Because of this there was always parental support and an intentional absence of pressure to explore other athletic pursuits.
Over time I came to be defined and define myself as "the runner." This is likely why I am still running.
"Why do I like to run?" Another very hard to answer directly question.
I think I run for different reasons at different times. They generally are a combination of the following but to varying degrees of importance.
I run because of the people and friends, the structure it provides, the competition and sense of accomplishment, and because I told myself I would (this is usually when I have a lot of other things I would rather be doing).
I have learned a lot about myself in the years that I have run competitively for Northgate. Most importantly I have learned the importance discipline and hard work.
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