As the new track season approaches, high school athletes across the area are starting up their preparation by mixing up their routines. From early morning workouts to late night gym sessions, these students are dedicated to improving their speed, endurance, and other skills to get ready for this spring season. Outside of physical speed and endurance, students are also keeping a sharp mind and mentally preparing for the season as they also are Liberty students.
During the school year, a lot of high school track athletes participate in other high school sports. Some athletes do multiple sports throughout the year to stay in shape, some prepare on their own before spring comes around, and some jump right into it. Alivia Jennings (12) prepares for her track season as a thrower by going on daily runs in the morning and staying in a routine to prepare for spring time.
“Even though I participate in throwing events, we still do a lot of running. When I train in the mornings before the season, it makes it easier to get through the warm up and focus on my throwing skills during the season,” Jennings said. She also plays tennis in the fall.
Outside of being physically ready for the season it’s also very important to mentally prepare beforehand. As a high school student, there are many struggles and obstacles along the way. Many students have jobs after school and on the weekends which would interfere with after school practices and weekend meets. It can also be exhausting constantly being in school while staying after for practices, having homework, and more.
Ashley Sauceda (11), who’s in her third year of track and also participates in cross country during the fall, says, “when you have a good mindset, it helps you prepare for weeks of hard training and makes it easier to focus in general. It’s important to have a balance between school, sports, and life.”
Overall, everybody prepares for their season differently and for some people it may be their first season as there’s new students excited to participate in track and field every time spring rolls around. It’s safe to say all of the hard working and dedicated athletes are looking forward to a great season this year.
