Track is Coming!!

Wow, it's 2014 guys. That means a couple of things; first of all, TRACK IS COMING so if you want to do well you'd better get off the couch and start running! Secondly, I'm graduating this year. So are like 10 other people on the team. Which means that we're going to make this year our absolute BEST yet, before we all leave Sealth. Sound like a plan?!

I know some people haven't been running, which is fine 'cause you probably needed a break after cross country. Maybe you did a winter sport. Maybe you just sat around on the couch eating your grandma's holiday cookies all day. Whatever happened, I get it, because I wasn't running much either.

But now we're halfway through January, and if you want to be successful during track, it is TIME to be running again! It might seem like a drag, but there's a saying about running (it applies to most things, actually) that I like: "The first three weeks are always the hardest. After that, it becomes habit."

If you're simply unmotivated and can't figure out a way to get off the couch, I have some ideas...

1. Pick a sport that inspires you. It doesn't have to be running; I chose ballet. Watch films about it, read about it, learn about it, and be inspired by it. Be inspired by someone else's sports story. Read about the Olympic athletes headed to Sochi. In all likelihood you'll be encouraged by the successes and failures, dreams and work ethics of other athletes. It will almost definitely inspire you to get back in shape yourself!

2. RUN WITH OTHER PEOPLE ON THE TEAM. This is beneficial for both you and everyone else on the team, as it encourages more of us to run. We have a Facebook page. Use it! If you want a running buddy post on the page when and where. With at least a day's notice someone will likely show up. PLUS Greg is currently at SWAC every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 3:15 PM to run with us. This Thursday the 23rd I will even be bringing chocolate chip cookies.

3. If you're busy after school and can't run with us for some reason or another, you have other options. On Tuesdays at 6:00 the Nike store downtown has a super-fun group run through the city, and at 11:00 on Saturday mornings West Seattle Runner has a teen running group. I've been to both and they're tons of fun! Plus sometimes it's easier to run when you know there's a certain place you're supposed to be at a certain time.

4. Does any of this encourage you to start preparing for track? I hope so! I know that a lot of you have also already been training, so good job to all you who have done that. If you're STILL unmotivated, still thinking you're going to wait until actual practices start to get in shape... Well, at least work out a LITTLE. Explore your athletic side! Go on a hike or a bike ride- I know some of the guys and Glover have been into cyclocross racing. Swim, rollerblade, whatever suits you. I've been spending my weekends between the ice rink and ballet studio! It's not running, but it's keeping in shape. Ideally you should find a cardio activity to prepare your lungs for the beating they're going to take during track, but as long as you're keeping fit SOMEHOW.

Hopefully I'll be seeing more of you guys out on the track and getting your mileage up! Don't forget- you can still get 500 and 1,000 mile shirts by the end of track season! :)