Rarely do you see a 16-year old running anything over a 5k. Maybe if they're really crazy they'll go for a 10-mile long run. So, I must have the type of insanity Albert Einstein had when contemplating and discussing quantum physics - in other words, none at all. I'm running to be not the type of runner a younger version of myself can look up to, but to be the figure that I know people in my community can support to expand the idea of what someone like myself can do. I've fought numerous circumstances of medical and mental battles in my coming-of-age, and knowing that I can still race a half-marathon (13 miles) on the other side brings me the happiness I wish every person who feels as though they can't do it can. For all the kids, and tweens, and teenagers out there who've felt the pressure of both looking and racing like a runner: it's never mattered what the problem in your way says; whether it's the scale, the mirror, the coach, the friend, the everything-that-could-possibly-go-wrong-is-going-wrong circumstance. In the end, anyone can do it. Hence why I'm running this half marathon and making references to Albert Einstein. With the donations to my fundraiser, I want to raise awareness in my community about supporting younger runners like myself by representing them in this race and raising money for an even greater cause.
All my love,
Hadley Smith
