2. Reliable

"We need you to run fast" she said as we grabbed our flats and waterbottles and began to warm up.  In only a few minutes I would have to run the 4 by 800.  A relay that consists of four people, each taking their turn running two laps (half a mile) with the baton.  I felt like puking.  I'd never ran with the fastest girls on the team before, and now they were relying on me to win?  My stomach turned as we approached the finish line.  I knew that this was my time to shine.  As she handed off to me, I ran.  I ran the speed my heart was pounding, which felt like 100 miles per hour.  Already I was approaching the second lap, and my whole body started to hurt.  "Suck it up Leah, you've got one more lap" I told myself as I rounded the first bend in the track.  Faster I went as Britta appeared waiting for me to hand her the baton and I just gave it my all, pushing myself into a full out sprint; finishing strong is important.  I sat in the fake grass on the infield gulping the air like water.  Every muscle in my body felt like it was tearing.  I knew I ran hard and it felt great.   We got first that day, and I cut 20 seconds off of my time.  The 4 by 800 team eventually made it's way through state quals and ended up competing at the state competition.  Not only was this race important to me, but the three other girls.  They inspired me to go hard, and not let them down, because I am reliable.