"When I run, I feel free.

The pounding of my feet on the street, as the trees sway in the wind.

The music in my iPod blasting through my headphones, muting out the rest of the world.

The hills in the park are like giants, towering over me.

I can taste the dirt that I kick up as I sprint.

Smells of the morning air and car exhaust fill my nose while I run.

The branches touch my hair as I fly past.

The wind slaps my face and it feels like little needles.

My heart is a timepiece, I can hear the beats growing faster and faster.

Trickles of sweat, like small rivers, run down my face.

In my bright pink shirt and lime shorts, I stick out like a sore thumb.

I see people stare and judge, but I don't mind.

As long as I am free, I don't care what people say.

I find my way home, through the maze of streets and cars.

As soon as I am finished running, I want to run again."

-Sierra Perruchon