Today on my run I was listening to [this](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-running-effect-podcast/id1636889625?i=1000718793728) episode from The Running Effect. (My favorite podcast.) It was an interview with Sam Ruthe, a distance legend. He's only 15 and he's run faster than Jakob Ingebrigtsen (one of the greatest middle distance runners.) did when he was 15. As I was listening to this episode, there was just this certain level of maturity I didn't expect out of a 15 year old boy. He talked about staying humble and treasuring the experiences he has. One of the most important things to him is having fun in the sport. It's really interesting seeing that perspective out of a teenage boy. A lot of teenage boys in running just get so serious so early and forget that running is supposed to be fun. I think that attitude and his maturity play into his success he has had thus far in the sport. What I'm saying when I'm saying maturity is these attributes: recognizing the most important things, being humble, and being present but also willing to grow through personal striving and others' feedback. I think these attributes help make a mature individual, and help them find success. I strive to have these attributes in my own journey, not only in running but in the other areas of my life. I think that's partly why I choose to write and publish. It helps me stay grounded, but also gives me a way to grow and improve. It also helps me stay humble because it helps me realize I am not the best. (Just because my mom thinks it's amazing doesn't mean I'm the best writer. 😉) It also allows for me to reflect and realize what's important to me. It's pretty great.