Undergraduate / 'I joined pole vaulting' PROMPT 2 [4]

Thanks for the advice rgudz26. I added a few things, and changed ending.

The adrenaline rush that comes with sprinting full-speed, then launching your body into the air is absolutely exhilarating. The pole brings you to new highs before dropping you down into a soft pit. This is every pole vaulter's dream; to soar over their record. The difference between ones who break it or make it is simple- dedication. I joined pole vaulting my sophomore year, thinking it would be an interesting new experience. It turns out I was a natural at the sport, and I actually enjoyed it. Upon joining the sport, practice turned out to be tough and exhausting because of the long hours the JV coach drilled us. We ran endless hills, laps, and sprints. After practice, I was sore everywhere, and absolutely dreaded it. Conditioning was a chore, so I skipped many practices, falsely believing that I didn't need training. On the first meet I walked up to the pit, cocky and confident. My expectations were high, and I thought it would be easy to clear the bar on my first try. Being ill prepared, I failed miserably. Humiliated, I realized that to become a great pole vaulter, conditioning was a must. I wanted to improve, and was motivated to achieve a new record for the team. The only way to do that was to start going to apply myself. The following months were filled with difficult work outs and intense conditioning. Gradually, I improved my stance and technique, and was vaulting 6,7, even 8 foot bars at meets. The new place records meant progress, which motivated me to train even harder. By the final meet, I had improved dramatically. I aimed high for a new record- 9 feet. Nine feet was a long shot, but I knew that this was my last chance to shine. I started awfully, and failed the first two times. However, I was really determined, so I dug my feet in, shut out negative feelings, and gave it my all. With my heart racing, perspiration pouring down my face, I burst into a full on sprint towards the pit. The pole smacked into the pit and I leaped like a basketball player, catapulting myself into the sky. The whole jump passed in what seemed like an eternity. My legs, arms, then head passed over the bar, barely clearing the 9 foot bar. I looked back and was astounded that I had actually achieved my goal. The countless hours of practice had finally paid off, and I won the meet of my life. This experience showed me that I was capable of accomplishing anything, if I put my heart into it. I find this prevalent throughout life. Whether in school or sports, the only way to be great or improve at something is to work hard and be dedicated. There are no easy ways through, only blood, sweat, and tears. Through pole vaulting, I have found the formula for success, I now strive for it through hard work, instead of the easy way out.