Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Definition Essay

Richie Castillo
Mrs. Boresen
Expository Writing,4th
Definition Essay
2/2/09



What Is a Runner?

A runner can be viewed by a messenger or athlete only based on training. It is a word that gets a lot of meanings; it all depends on who the runner is and where he comes from. Today, people consider themselves runners just if they go for a stroll or a hike. Most people view a typical runner with running clothing and running shoes, top of the year gear. They also think of people who have more miles in their shoes than their car. People don’t realize that runners consider themselves runners through emotions. The way you feel when you take off hearing that gun, the drive that you feel. A runner can only be only described in the words of the beholder.
The word runner can be a mystifying word because it has so many meanings. A meaning that is actually not set in stone or completely agreed with because so many perceptions of it. At Dictionary.com, its noun definition is an athlete who travels by foot. This definition is very accurate but only to an extent. It can go so much more into depth and emotion. The world runner can be also a verb depending on the context. As a verb, runner is a person who is competing in a race. At Dictionary.com it describes the word as like a competitor but really it’s not all about the competition. The runner can choose to test his/her ability against other runners. Also it could depend whether you want to compete against yourself. The word runner can be defined in my own words just as many runners have put it themselves. A runner is more than words to start off with. A runner is a champion who runs day and night. A runner who will run on his/her own spare time and is determine to beat his/her own personal records. One who trains in their own sweat and blood through intense training. A runner who trains until they cannot go anymore. One who gets through the worst pains imaginable but still manages to pull through bit by bit. Throughout certain runs a runner will face pains throughout every muscle fiber and bone in their body. An athlete who has incredible endurance and mind structure. This is one of the most vital factors. A diamond mind structure will make a runner successful and the endurance shows robustness. I’m also speaking of short distance runs as well. Long distance and short distance runners share their own side of the story. It all comes down to if you want to be a runner and what type. A person who considers themselves a runner is comfortable enough to label themselves that. At Relentlessrunner.com to determine if you’re a runner or not it depends on how or why the person is doing the running (Palmer,Rick). It has to come from your own experience to put it into your own words.
I have experienced the word runner inside and out. It is a word that I understand clearly. I have come so clear to the meaning of this word because of how many miles and shoes I have gone through being a runner. I have done it all, from running before the birds could get their morning grub, until the moon is beaming the dappled sky. I have also done my share of competing in races as well. The word runner has a feeling to it. It feels like the best accomplishing feeling you can imagine. To feel the light breeze and sunshine on your sweat soaked skin. Although sometimes it gives excruciating pain, it makes you feel unstoppable, a juggernaut. The word is like a beat of a drum with your heart pumping faster and faster trying to catch up with every breathe you take. It would be like a sensation seeping throughout your pores. A visual of the world revolving around your very own feet. The sense is indescribable so a person would have to try it out themselves and tell their own modest tome of emotion.
The history of runners has been in the world’s timeline. In my very own personal life, some of the runners in the family actually came known to become legends in the art of running. Runners in my family have set records throughout their grade school life. I have been trying to become the best I can be by training harder and staying focused. The history of running has eroded my bones and skin because it is an infection that cannot be cured. Being a runner has been around for thousands of years, whether it was the early humans trying to hunt or the phenomenal runners in the first Olympics. Today, people around the world run for fun while others might be more serious and take it as a career. These days it is encouraged to be a runner because it adds shape to your health, gives us all a test, and is environmental friendly. That’s why there are so many sponsored races for the ill like race for the cure. The history of running is changing but the concept of it will forever be there.
A runner is a noun and verb that has brought many challenges, excitement, and prosperity to many lives including mine. Being a runner you can challenge your body and get to know every little aspect about it. A runner will know his limits and try to exceed the restrictions. So take the trail of footsteps that runners have left before you. There is so much that the word runner can bring to your life. Try something new and get to view the world on foot. So whether you are in a race or you are getting chased by the neighbor dog, you better start running because if you want to be a runner, you got a lot of road ahead of you.

Bibliography

Richie Castillo
Mrs. Boresen
Expository Writing, 4th
Bibliography
2/2/09

Bibliography

O'Leary, Thomas. "What Makes A Runner?" EzineArticles Submission - Submit Your Best Quality Original Articles For Massive Exposure, 27 Jan. 2009 ezinearticles.com/?What-Makes-A-Runner?&id=475905>.

Palmer, Rick. "Definition of a Runner." Relentless Running. 27 Jan. 2009 .

"Runner definition Dictionary.com." Dictionary.com. 27 Jan. 2009 .

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Richie Castillo
Mrs. Boresen
Expository Writing
Winter Break Narrative
1/13/09

The world stops for just a second when the countdown is down to its last moments, leaving the numbers beforehand in the past. The New Year is always a warm hearting and gives everyone a new mind set. Every year seems to get better and spending time with family and friends is something I wouldn’t want any other way. This New Year was special, one that will be a memory in my own little book of history.
It was the afternoon after sleeping in from the late night before.It was the day before the New Year. I was excited to put this year to sleep. Really just relaxing and letting time go by. Hours past and as soon as I knew it, I was heading to work. Oh I couldn’t wait to get to the pizza shop. Not the best thing to do on the New Years day but I got to make a living. Work was a laid back day with no boss and just delivering the pizzas to the hungry customers. On delivery I would start to plan out the rest of the day and start to think of my favorite memories of the past. Sooner or later it was already time to check out and complete a hard day’s work. Heading home was such a good feeling especially knowing the New Year was almost here. Already ten o’ clock I went home at haste. I took preparations like taking a shower and changing into a new set of clothes. I was feeling pristine and brisk. I got another set of clothes, primarily for running, and took it along with me. I was already running late to Aaron’s party so I got there as quick as I could. Finally getting to the party, I was greeted by Aaron’s family and headed towards downstairs. There I was overwhelmed to see that all my best friends were there and they all welcomed me. There were decorations and people doing different things like playing board games, playing video games, and of course people stuffing their faces with junk food. This is what made time go by so fast and why it was so amusing. It was just a great atmosphere and I could feel the excitement between every inch of my body. It was just so great to see my friends. The night went by so fast. I was doing as much I could to make the night and year perfect, but time was cutting short. Already reaching the final hour until countdown I assured everyone at Aaron’s party that I would return after visiting my family and doing my New Years tradition. So I hurried to my families party, luckily it was near Aaron’s party. I arrived at my family’s house to find the whole family. I addressed the family and spent about half an hour there until I made an announcement of my departure for my New Years tradition. So I scurried into running clothes and told the family ill see them next year. As soon as I stepped outside I could feel the crisp brisk air respirating throughout my body. I spent no time and started running to the nearest country road I could find. I felt like I was on a mission and time is ticking away into the past. I remember thinking only five minutes left so I started to run as fast as my legs could carry me. I was on the country road about half way when I heard my clock beeping notifying the last ten seconds of the year. I ran with every bit of strength I had and counted down, gradually getting louder. The last three seconds seemed like time slowed down. The watch struck midnight and I remember screaming on the top of my lungs, “Happy New Year”! Then I took a little time to appreciate life. It has been done so I returned as fast as I could. Along the way I could hear people screaming for the New Year. What I great chill emotion to feel for the brand new year. After returning, I spent the rest of the night with family and friends with new thoughts, new goals, and open arms. It was an extraordinary night to remember forever and to be told. I couldn’t wait for the year to kick off.

Extra Credit Visual