I told my dad that I was sure I would feel depressed forever and that it would be embarrassing to continue living this way, so maybe it was better to… - Alexi Pappas

Being committed isn't about the end result; it's about giving yourself the very best chance to get there.

If you find someone who pulls you out of the real world and makes you feel like the two of you are inside your own little snow globe, hold on to them.

It helped that Jeremy didn't know anything about track and field. We had lots in common, but not everything in common. ... His unfamiliarity with the running world allowed me to chase my dream without it meaning anything to him beyond how happy it was making me. I was free to explore my potential in the running world without the pressure of anyone's expectations - just pure support.