In track and field there are many different events that athletes can participate in. The Warren Central High School girls and boys track teams are getting ready for their sectionals competitions on May 14 and 16, respectively.
Events that track and field athletes can partake in include jumping, throwing and especially running, which requires a lot of stamina.
Track and field is one of many sports that Warren Central has that students are able to participate in as a hobby. Pinner, one of the participants, does the 4x100 relay race, the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash.
“Usually since I participate in a lot of events, I often get tips from coaches to stay healthy, hydrated, don’t eat junk food as often and stay motivated,” Pinner said.
The essential key to being successful in track and field is having the strength and condition to do so. In this sport it’s very important that athletes have the energy needed to be able to run to complete their event.
Samaya Smith runs the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles and the 4x400 relay race. She often goes on about how those take the most energy out of her, so the tips she receives from the seniors often boost her motivation to continue running.
“They’re really good examples, and they often tell me that during times I don’t feel like running to persevere, get up and run if I'm willing to work hard,” Smith said.Track and field athletes need to be able to willingly practice hard and have lots of energy. There are many athletes out there that have different methods of training for track.
First off, staying hydrated and getting lots of exercise is an important part of getting the stamina they need to be active.
Eating healthier is also a good method, as it’s a way to keep athletes in shape.
Finally, getting enough sleep is the most dominant of them all, as athletes need full sleep to remain active and get outstanding brain activity to maintain their physical health for better development.
As important as it is to have good physical activity, it’s also key to stay mentally motivated to run. Track overall can be draining at times, because not only do they run, but they also have many ventures that in addition have more physical benefits and activities that are energetic.
Junior Marco Bell Jr. participates in track as a way to try something new, but it’s not something he continues to do for long periods of time as he already has his mind set on football.
“Try something new, and if you don’t like it, you should feel accomplished to say you tried it,” says Bell Jr. “Track is something I do as a means of bettering myself.”