The sound of tennis shoes squeaking on tile, running tight corners, almost literally running into people in the halls, these are some things you would experience if you participated in preseason track.
Some students might assume that athletes take a break for a little bit before starting to train for their next sport. Track athletes start pre-season conditioning almost right after the cross country season, which a lot of them are also a part of. In early November you might have been able to see some students running in the halls if you stayed at school late enough.
“When we did 1Ks inside, that was probably the worst workout,” Annie Finneron said. “we had to run 5 laps around kings corner for each rep.”
Even though running inside can be hard and unpredictable, it was needed when the winter weather was not cooperating. On the nice days the coaches tried to make sure the team could run outside or go on a long run to really enjoy the weather.
“I really like when we go on long runs because you really get to know your teammates and it’s fun to talk cause during a speed workout on the track you don’t really get to talk because you can’t really breath,” Maya Anderson said.
Even when they aren’t in season the track athletes always try their hardest to be at the practices and try their best to really get in shape for the upcoming season. It can also help team bonding without the stress of meets.
“I think pre season conditioning is important. I feel like it really gets you in shape and gets you ready for track season,” Anderson said. “ It also gives me something to do during the winter other than just go home, so it’s fun to hang out with my track friends during the winter without so much pressure of having a race coming up. It’s kind of relaxed and more fun.”
Having extra time with the coaches and organized workouts can also help with athletes that feel like they need a little bit more than just practices a few weeks before their first meet of the season.
“I’m trying out the two mile, and I’m really scared of that, because I’ve never been in the 2 mile before, so that’s probably the main thing I’m scared of,” Finnergon said. “I’m also worried that I’ll have a similar season to my last two and not really improve at all.”
All in all you can tell how much the pre-season can help many athletes build confidence and strength so they can have a great season and start on the right foot right out of the gate. Even though it can be tough running inside the school or in the winter air outside, the track athletes go through it with determination.
