Words From Track Kids 2

I think the punishment for missing practice, should be eating burritos filled with bugs.

Coach, can I skip practice on Wednesdays? I'm in D and D club.

Why would I want to run anything over a 400? I don't want to die.

Terry Bradshaw

Mental Strength

So much is made of raw speed and power in track and field events. But there is not a single event that does not require some mental capability.

For example, the strategy that goes on in races 800m and above is intense. And it takes a lot of thought and preparation. During practices the day before meets, we simulate the race for our distance runners. Placing them on different spots on the track and letting them know what should be going on in their heads during certain times of the race. We know our opponents and how they like to approach a race. So if someone we are running against is an out and front runner, we'll make sure our team knows that. Or if someone sits back and kicks at the 300 or 200 mark, we'll remind our team of that too.

We even do this for sprinters and hurdlers. We do this for them a little less often, because strategy isn't quite as important. But we still encourage them to visualize the race in their head and making sure they always finish first.

Its so important to know your opponents, prepare, and have that mental strength to outlast who you are racing against. It's what makes good runners, into great runners.

Things to do:

1. Use the restroom well before your events. Athletes are horrible about this. It's one less thing to worry about.

2. Eat and stay hydrated, especially on hot days. High school athletes sometimes have poor nutrition. Bananas, yogurt, Graham crackers, bagels, are all great snacks for a meet. As well as having water or a sports drink around. Nutrition is a huge topic though. I encourage people to test what works best for them.

3. Meditation. I'm not talking about sitting cross legged and humming. I'm talking about finding a quiet place before your race where you can relax, close your eyes and visualize your race.

4. Take a few deep breathes right before your race. This allows you not to panic and focus on the task at hand.

Heroes

Boys Thoughts Before A Race

Follow-up to the Girls Thoughts.

Boys Thoughts Before A Race

1. How much is pizza?
2. I should not have drank that third Red Bull.
3. Oh well.
4. Have they had first call yet?
5. Maybe I should warm-up.
6. I wish we had uniforms like that team.
7. I wish I could listen to my iPod while running.
8. Second call!?!?
9. Ok well maybe a shortened warm-up today.
10. Dude. That guy looks freakin' fast.
11. What lane did Coach say I was in?
12. I guess I should pay attention to the official.
13. Third call. Let's do this.
14. How much was that pizza again?

Girls Thoughts Before A Race

1. What time is my race?
2. How many events away is it?
3. Did I take out my earrings?
4. Why can't I wear earrings?
5. Ok...I need to warm-up.
6. Why do I need to warm-up so much?
7. Shoot! I have to pee.
8. Do I have time to pee?
9. Where is Coach so I can ask him if I have time to pee?
10. Oh well. I'll go anyway.
11. I wish we had uniforms like that team.
12. Where are my spikes?
13. SECOND CALL?!?!? Oh crap.
14. WHERE ARE MY SPIKES?!?!
15. Whew.
16. Where do I check in?
17. Where is Coach?
18. AHHHHHHH!!!!
19. Ok, found the bullpen. I'm good.
20. Third call. Here we go.
21. Wait. What lane was I supposed to be in?

Win or Lose