With indoor track season being in full swing for a month now, the Sages have had very busy nights and long practice days.
Track helps athletes stay in shape, but it also helps them create new friends.
When Emily Matthews was asked what her favorite part about indoor track was, she answered with, “Definitely the meets. I love how supportive everyone is while I am running.” As teammates are waiting for their next event, they go to cheer on their teammates to help them earn PRs and do the best they can do. When Sloane Blickenstaff was asked the same question, she answered with something similar to Matthews, “I love how everyone is cheering and you are able to hear them. I also love that you do not have to depend on the weather because sometimes outdoor track meets can be really cold or hot.”
Since track is an individual sport, it is very important to set goals for yourself so you can get better and better each meet. When Blickenstaff was asked what her goals for the indoor season were, she answered, “I really want to be in the 4×1 for outdoor season and improve on my speed overall.” Matthews was asked the same question and she stated, “My goals are to PR in mainly long jump, but my other events aswell.” Indoor track is a great way to prepare for outdoor track.
A lot goes into preparing for your event. It is very important that you stay calm to compete the best that you can. You have to watch what you eat, as well as stay loose and stretched. When Matthews was asked how she prepares for her meets, she answered, “On bus rides I normally listen to music and keep my body moving before events so I can stay warmed up”. With Blickenstaff being asked the same question, she answered very similarly to Matthews. “I love to listen to hype music before I race, along with getting a good warm up before I go to check in!”
For track athletes, it is way more than just doing your events and sitting around doing nothing afterward. Before you race, you need to get your body ready, watch what you eat, and get completely stretched. Then, after recovering from your event, you have to cheer your teammates on. It is an individual sport, but you would not be able to do it without your coaches and teammates.
Kinley Kooi, Staff Writer
kooki28@sages.us
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