Blood pumping. Heart thumping. Breath heavy, working hard for every inhale and exhale. This is what adrenaline does. Ever since I was young, I have always searched for adrenaline. When I went to Disneyworld in fourth grade, I sought out the biggest rides and the most treacherous coasters. Roller coasters, dangerous stunts, racing, it all called my name, and when I found cross country, my quench was finally satisfied. 

There’s nothing like stepping upon the start line, with all the nervous energy surrounding you. Then, when the gun goes off, the world stops turning. You only hear your steps, and your heart beating. Nothing else is happening, there’s just you pouring every ounce of your energy into your legs. As you pass people, the adrenaline continues pouring into your bloodstream. Pretty soon, you’re cruising. Step by step, you’ve reached the first mile. No pain, not yet. You continue pushing yourself forward, ranking up bit by bit. 

Then, once you reach the halfway mark, you start to feel some pain. Nothing special, just your regular side stitch and cramp. Nothing to worry about, you stick out your chest and charge on. Now, passing people is just a regular routine. As you get closer to the lead, the gap between runners is getting wider now. That won’t stop you now, will it? As you reach the two mile mark, your muscles are burning. But you know that you are close to the line, and nothing will stop you now. You subconsciously bring the pace up a little, to keep getting faster each mile.

Then, before you know it, only one quarter of a mile is left. Now you turn the burners on. Bit by bit, you’ve reached the leading guy. He’s still a couple yards in front, but you know that’s only for a matter of time. As you round that final turn, you take one deep breath. This is it, it’s time. You extend your stride, and pretty soon, you feel as though you are levitating. You breeze past the leader, wheezing, hurting with every step. But you are only getting faster. 

As you reach the chute, you finally snap out of it. You hear every voice, every word. The obnoxious noise hits you like a hurricane. BOOM! Then, before you know it, you’re across the line. The pain sets in. But you’ve finished, and nothing can stop that. You watch as more runners slowly finish behind you, and you feel a sense of relief and pride. 

Ever since that first race, my longing for adrenaline has gotten larger, almost an addiction. I can’t stand watching from the sidelines, spectating from around. I want to be in the action, the writer of the story instead of the reader. There are many ways to satisfy my longing for adrenaline, but I find racing much more superior than the others. Now, whenever I am feeling extra energetic or restless, I think of my next race. It’s always what’s next, starting right after I cross the finish line. Adrenaline is what makes me feel whole. Adrenaline is my life.