Since my last track season is now officially over, I've been thinking all the good times I've had and all the lessons I've learned. It's been a great experience, and I've made some wonderful memories. Overall, running on a track team has really helped shape me as an athlete and as a competitor.
So here are seven things I've learned over the seven years I've run track!
1. Your team is your family.
It might seem intimidating to run track, and at first, you might even feel afraid of your teammates. But at the end of it all, they are the ones you depend on. They will support you, advise you, and hopefully, become amazing friends! :)
So here are seven things I've learned over the seven years I've run track!
1. Your team is your family.
It might seem intimidating to run track, and at first, you might even feel afraid of your teammates. But at the end of it all, they are the ones you depend on. They will support you, advise you, and hopefully, become amazing friends! :)
2. Be confident in yourself.
When I started track, I was never brave enough to go "all out." I figured there would always be someone better than me. So I told myself I was slow and hung back in my races, and my times suffered because of it.
But then I learned that as soon as you start believing in yourself, you can lead the pack-- every race. You have it in you.
(And yes, that's me below, in the red. Dorky uniforms, huh?)
When I started track, I was never brave enough to go "all out." I figured there would always be someone better than me. So I told myself I was slow and hung back in my races, and my times suffered because of it.
But then I learned that as soon as you start believing in yourself, you can lead the pack-- every race. You have it in you.
(And yes, that's me below, in the red. Dorky uniforms, huh?)
3. Run hard.
It's going to hurt, guaranteed. You can see the pain in any runner's eyes; it's not an easy sport. But it's worth it to push yourself. Then, even if you don't win the race, you'll still know you did your best. And knowing that feels good.
It's going to hurt, guaranteed. You can see the pain in any runner's eyes; it's not an easy sport. But it's worth it to push yourself. Then, even if you don't win the race, you'll still know you did your best. And knowing that feels good.
4. Don't be afraid to try something new.
You'll never know if you don't try. I've tried almost every track event, and I am embarrassingly bad at quite a few. But I'm so glad I tried them, because if I hadn't, I might never have discovered how perfect some events were for me -- like hurdles. Don't let your fear hold you back from discovering something new.
You'll never know if you don't try. I've tried almost every track event, and I am embarrassingly bad at quite a few. But I'm so glad I tried them, because if I hadn't, I might never have discovered how perfect some events were for me -- like hurdles. Don't let your fear hold you back from discovering something new.
5. Finish strong.
It's all about that ending. You might be in last place almost the entire race, but it's what place you finish in that counts. So remember to give all you've got when you see that finish line.
It's all about that ending. You might be in last place almost the entire race, but it's what place you finish in that counts. So remember to give all you've got when you see that finish line.
6. Invest in good equipment.
If you're serious about running, you must seriously consider "gearing up." A good pair of shoes or proper athletic wear could change the way you run, and maybe even turn an average athlete into a champion.
If you're serious about running, you must seriously consider "gearing up." A good pair of shoes or proper athletic wear could change the way you run, and maybe even turn an average athlete into a champion.
7. Remember to have fun.
Contrary to what many coaches might say, track isn't just about winning or scoring points. It's about challenging yourself to become a better athlete, and consequently, a better person. It's about disciplining yourself to make the best out of the gifts God has given you. And it's doesn't hurt to have some good times along the way!
Contrary to what many coaches might say, track isn't just about winning or scoring points. It's about challenging yourself to become a better athlete, and consequently, a better person. It's about disciplining yourself to make the best out of the gifts God has given you. And it's doesn't hurt to have some good times along the way!