Dear Running: I Will Never Take You For Granted Again

Cate Peters is a senior at Monte Vista High School in Danville, California. The sprint- and middle-distance talent, one of the best in the country, has signed with Stanford University. She owns personal best times of 12.06w in the 100m, 24.64w in the 200m, 54.72 in the 400m and 2:06.89 in the 800m, where she earned four EBAL Championships in 2022. Peters also finished eighth at Brooks PR and seventh at NSAF Outdoor Nationals in the 800m last year. Below, she reflects on her personal experiences in the sport. 

Running enabled me to play sports with confidence. It kept my life balanced by giving me a break from schoolwork. It fueled my self-esteem and positive body image. It was core to who I was as a person. I took it for granted, and I wanted it back.

By Cate Peters - Monte Vista '23

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Dear Running,

For as long as I can remember, you have always been with me. 

Ever since I could stand on two feet, I have been running. I ran circles around my childhood kitchen table. I ran into the wall surrounding my elementary school -- and I have the scar to prove it! I ran laps across the field every day in middle school P.E.

As I grew up, running became so ingrained in my life that I didn't even notice it was there. It played a supporting role to my primary sport. 

When I started high school, I just wanted to make the soccer team. Our varsity team was hyper-competitive and had players bound for top colleges. But I stepped on the field and did not shy away from the competition. I knew I could rely on my special skill: speed. 

I crushed the beep test, sprinted to through-balls and became the only freshman to make the varsity squad.

This experience changed the course of my life. Playing alongside Division 1 soccer commits gave me a glimpse into what it took to become an elite collegiate athlete. By the time our senior night approached, I started to believe I could become one, too.

As I chased a perfectly-placed ball, the only thing on my mind was go faster. If only I could put a foot on it or even score, I thought, we could win and our team could keep our undefeated record. But as the goalkeeper's knee slid into my shin, I realized something immediate: Running wasn't with me anymore. 

Running, I didn't know how much I loved you until I lost you.

I fractured both bones in my lower leg. The doctor put me in a cast to my thigh. The first question I asked: When can I run again? The timeline wasn't definitive, but I knew one thing for certain: However long it took, I wanted to come back better than I was before.

I am goal-driven, and so when I set my mind to something, I won't stop until I achieve it. The prospect of running again gave me something to hope for as I navigated my school in a wheelchair. It gave me something to work toward as I slogged through months of physical therapy. It gave me something to achieve as I took my first strides around the neighborhood track six months after my injury.

Breaking my leg illuminated the effect running has had on me. Up until that point, I never stopped to reflect on what enabled me to become the high-performing and hard-working person I was every day.

Running enabled me to play sports with confidence. It kept my life balanced by giving me a break from schoolwork. It fueled my self-esteem and positive body image. It was core to who I was as a person. I took it for granted, and I wanted it back.

Fortunately, I was lucky enough to get a second chance.

I returned to soccer nine months after breaking my leg, achieving the goal I set for myself in the doctor's office. I came back stronger, but something changed. What I wanted more than anything was to pursue my passion for running. So, I did just that.

I put running first.

I made the decision to give up my coveted varsity soccer spot to focus on the track team. I fell in love with running again. I loved the shocks of power coursing through my body every time I pushed out of the blocks. I loved the wind in my face as I sprinted at top speed. I loved the exhilarating feeling that rocketed through me as I crossed the finish line. I loved every part of being on the track and field team.

Running allowed me to compete on the national stage. Running led me to my dream school: Stanford University. I wouldn't be where I am today without running, but I also wouldn't be here if I hadn't almost lost that ability, too. 

I realized how much running truly meant to me.

I've been running track competitively since recovering from my injury and it has impacted every aspect of my life. Right now, running is integral to who I am physically, mentally and emotionally. Training everyday forces me to be conscious of my nutrition and helps me look and feel healthier. It improves my mental focus. It allows me to take on an intense academic schedule and maintain a positive attitude. The stress-coping techniques I apply to big race days help me manage my feelings in all areas of my life.

Running gave me the opportunity to meet lifelong friends and professional athletes. Running allowed me to compete on the national stage. Running led me to my dream school: Stanford University. I wouldn't be where I am today without running, but I also wouldn't be here if I hadn't almost lost that ability, too. 

Running, I will never take you for granted again.

Love,