I started training with Coach Benson the summer before my sophomore year of high school, and it turned out to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve had. He pushed me harder than ever before, putting me through mileage I had never run and constantly testing my limits.
At the time, it was tough, but I knew it was making me better. That fall, the work paid off—I dropped nearly a minute from my previous best, running a 17:41 in the 5K and helping my team win the Conference title. More importantly, that season sparked my love for running and showed me the value of discipline, perseverance, and pushing beyond what I thought I was capable of.