Dear Running: I've Learned What Family Means Through You

Bryanna Craig is a senior at Ruston High School in Louisiana. One of the top multis athletes in the United States, she will continue her career at Louisiana Tech University. The New Jersey native opened up her final high school indoor season in December and is continuing her pursuit of excellence this week at Samford University, where she is competing in the first pentathlon of her career. She writes this Dear Running letter as she looks toward the final months of her prep career.

"Whether it was going to the top of the Willis Tower, visiting the Hollywood stars or looking at the Gulf of Mexico from the shores of Galveston, each place reminded me of two things: There was a track nearby, and my father was with me.

By Bryanna Craig - Ruston High School, '22

Dear Track and Field, 

I remember once asking my father if he regretted not having father-daughter time with me growing up. He quickly responded, "No."

Before I could process what that meant, he asked me to name all the states that I had been to because of track. As I began to name each state, the memories of each adventure came flooding back into my mind. Twenty-two states later, I listed off what seemed like a lifetime of adventures, as every state traveled always incorporated something unique to that area.

Whether it was going to the top of the Willis Tower, visiting the Hollywood stars or looking at the Gulf of Mexico from the shores of Galveston, each place reminded me of two things: There was a track nearby, and my father was with me.

He then reminded me of all our conversations at practice where I'd tell him about boys, school, or anything going on at that time. It was at that moment that I realized track had given me the father-daughter time that I thought was missing.

This led me to an even bigger question.

What else have you given me, track and field?

Through your tough workouts, inconsistent weather and whatever else you decided to throw at me, you've taught me what it means to persevere and how to push myself when I thought I didn't have anymore to give.

You also taught me at an early age that talent would only get me so far. As a nine year old running for Millville Track Club, I loved the attention that came with being considered fast.

I wasn't fond, however, of the training as it seemed to intensify each year.

I didn't realize it right away, but at that age my father stopped bringing me to practice. It turned out, he had taken track away from me for a year so I could play other sports for fun. Then, when summer track came back around, I quickly realized I wasn't out in front anymore.

That was a hard lesson, but one I will never forget. And my work ethic would never come into question again.

As I look back and reflect on my journey, I realize how thankful I am for those that have come before me. I can relate to the ups and downs of the oval. Each athlete before me has passed on their wisdom so that I can walk a straighter, less obstructed path.

Through your tough workouts, inconsistent weather and whatever else you decided to throw at me, you've taught me what it means to persevere and how to push myself when I thought I didn't have anymore to give.

I am also thankful for those that have lined up against me.Track and field, through you I have been able to make friends from all over the country. 

When I lived in New Jersey I had my close friends that came up through elementary school, but I enjoyed meeting new ones at track. Something about the similarity in stories we shared drew me closer.

My best friend Leah Ellis has been with me since sixth grade; we've done almost everything together, especially track. We were even called the dynamic duo because we were always together. Our freshmen year, we helped Millville win its first state championship.

I have since moved away, but our bond remains strong. I'm excited that through you we will be reunited, as we will both be attending Louisiana Tech University.

Track and field, you've been my distraction when I needed you most. You've been my distraction when I have bad days and I take my frustration out on you -- going faster, pushing harder and making sure I surpass the marks or time in my workouts.

You were there when my parents decided they would raise my siblings and I from different homes. You were also there to see my family increase, as I now have two new siblings, a madrastra, abuelos and numerous titi y titos.

The day my father asked the family if we'd support moving away from New Jersey was when I felt like my heart would break. I knew making this move would benefit me in so many ways, but the thought of leaving my family, friends and the town that I had grown to love at the time seemed unbearable.

On top of that, I'd be leaving my mother. I understood why we needed to move -- COVID was rampant, your gates were locked and my training halted -- but it was a hard pill to swallow. But my father had an opportunity to volunteer-coach at the collegiate level. He said that would allow my training to continue.

My mom was sad, but being the strong person that she is, she understood what needed to be done and allowed her three children to move over 1,700 miles away.

Although it was a tough choice to make, the outcome succeeded: My training and performances improved immensely.

I know I mention my father, Raffael Craig, a lot, but he has been one of the big assets in my life. He's helped me every step of the way. He once said that if I wanted to be the greatest that I would have to make big sacrifices. And track and field, that's what I've been doing,.

As I prepare to move on to the next chapter in my life, I know you'll prepare to welcome in a new crop of young minds to nurture, motivate and guide. Wherever they are. 

Help them to know that you are so much more than an oval, a sand box and mats.

Teach them what it means to win with humility and lose with grace. Show them that you'll give them what they put into you.

Be the beacon for those that might otherwise be lost.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: Do for others all that you have done for me. 

And while I know I'm not done with you yet, this seemed like as good a time as any to say, thank you. My next stop will include Louisiana Tech. So too will my father's. I guess we'll get more father-daughter time. 

With love,