Just keep running: How Cal Poly students continue their passion for running
Students who competed in high school sports like cross country and track and field are still finding ways to keep their passion for running alive at Cal Poly. Many have turned to running not only to stay connected to the sport, but also to stay fit and manage the stress of college life.
Kinesiology junior Callum Turner ran throughout high school and continues to make running a consistent part of his routine as a member of the Cal Poly Distance Club.
“I ran for four years in high school, and I am currently on the Cal Poly Distance Club, and I’m still running super consistently,” Turner said.
He still find joy in his simple morning routine.
“I am still very passionate about the sport.” he said. “I think being able to wake up each day and just lace up your shoes and go on a run is really nice.”
Even though Turner is no longer competing at the same level he did in high school, he continues to set ambitious goals and race regularly. College running offers the chance to compete at a high level while staying connected to former teammates from different schools.
“I think being able to compete at a high level was something you don’t get to do forever, so it’s always nice to have the opportunity to do it at a higher level like college, and then also keeping in touch with friends who are competing in different schools,” he said.
Communication studies junior Camille Tucker, said running looked different for her after high school.
“I was on the cross country and track team at Turlock High School, and I definitely hit a point where I wasn’t running as much,” Tucker said.
Moving to San Luis Obispo helped her reconnect with the sport.
“SLO is such a great place to run, it’s so beautiful, and there are a lot of different trails and surrounding areas that have good trails, recently I reignited my passion for running, and it is so much fun,” Tucker said. “I am training for a half-marathon right now.”
Environmental earth and soil science junior Lauren Delaney also found a way to keep running in her life. She ran casually in high school and later joined the Cal Poly Distance Club for the motivating community.
“I never compete, but I like the friends I made there, and it’s really fun to keep me accountable, and I know there are always people I can run with,” Delaney said.
For these students, running has switched from the structured environment of high school sports to a more personal and flexible routine in college. Through joining clubs, training for races, or casually running with friends, many Cal Poly students continue to find purpose in running as a way to stay active, build community and maintain balance in their lives.
