When running is your passion, you don't let anything get in the way. It doesn't matter if it's a hot summer day or a freezing winter morning — you get out there and put in the miles.
It's not just about crossing the finish line; it's about the dedication and love you have for the sport.
For
Brady Baker, a track and field athlete at Morehead State University, running is more than a sport; it's a way of life.
When Baker first started looking at colleges, he knew he wanted to keep running. He felt like he hadn't fully committed himself to the sport in high school, and he wanted a chance to prove to himself that he could become a better runner.
Looking for the right fit, Baker reached out to Morehead State's coach,
Clay Dixon, and asked if there was a spot on the team. When he found out there was a walk-on spot available, he didn't hesitate to take the chance.
"I decided to take the chance," Baker said. "I felt like I had let myself down a bit in high school by not fully committing myself to running, and I wanted a chance to prove to myself that if I pushed myself, I could become a much better runner."
Before coming to Morehead State, Baker ran track in his hometown of Alexandria, Kentucky. For him, running was more than just a sport; it was about the friends and connections he made while training day in and day out.
The small-town community made every meet feel special, and the support he received from friends, family, and coaches was invaluable.
"My coaches, Chief and Ms. McKee, weren't just focused on times or winning; they wanted the best for you and pushed you to be your best," Baker said. "They taught me discipline and gave me confidence that stuck with me long after practices ended."
Besides his coaches, Baker's parents played a significant role in his success. They were always incredibly supportive of his running, encouraging him to join club teams, cheering for him at meets, and constantly reminding him to be a leader both on and off the track.
"My mom and dad have always been incredibly supportive of my running," Baker said. "They encouraged me by letting me join club teams, showing up to cheer for me at meets, driving me to and from practice, and constantly reminding me to be a leader both on and off the track."
For Baker, the best feeling in a race comes when he finishes and sees a personal record (PR). The support from his teammates and the feeling of all his hard work paying off is indescribable.
"The best feeling in a race comes when you finish and look up the time to see a PR and see all your teammates supporting you, knowing that all the time and effort you've put into the sport is finally visible in the race," Baker said.
With so few races throughout the year, it can be challenging to see the results of all the hard work. But when it all comes together, the feeling is incredible.
When asked for advice for younger kids wanting to run at the Division I level, Baker keeps it short and simple.
"Why not you?" Baker said. "Everyone has the same chance, so why can't you achieve your goals? All it takes is hard work and dedication. Put in the miles, do your workouts, eat well, recover properly, and the sky's the limit."
