I do not have the build of a runner. At 6’2” and 170 pounds, I am heavier than any runner I know. When I was tasked with running 22 miles of the Birkie Trail in Hayward, Wisconsin in the pouring rain I knew it would be a challenge.

I stepped out of the 12-passenger van with my teammates and, to my dismay, realized it was both rainy and cold. I took a few steps forward and started running. Although at first I felt as though the end of my life was near, throughout the run I learned to overcome the feeling of death and to keep on running.

According to almost anyone in the world, running sucks. Especially when it’s 22 miles. But that’s not the point of running. The point is you shouldn’t be afraid of daunting tasks if you know that you can complete them.

When people are faced with daunting feats there is one thing stopping them — their lack of determination. I’ll admit, while running, I was constantly telling myself I would much rather be doing a million other things than running that far in the cold, pouring rain. But I set my goal to run that far and I was going to make it. You can set your goals high if you have the determination and ability to complete them. Setting goals is one of the most important aspects in sports and in life it will help you significantly.

One of the elements that helped me run so far in an environment that was trying to kill me was the people I was running with. One of the few good aspects about the run was that I was running it with some of my best friends. Running with your friends will beat running alone anyday. It’s a lot easier to push yourself when other people are with you are experiencing the same emotions. Whenever you feel like you’re in mortal peril just try to look on the bright side of things as I did.

When you look at something difficult don’t break down and start crying. Look at it and say “I can do this even if I think I can’t.”

Because if you are determined and look at the bright side of the situation you can achieve your goals.