Over the course of the past several months, the participating athletes from Cross Country, Football, and Soccer have been practicing diligently to prepare for this year’s track season. Many runners and throwers have been going out to Warren G. Harding and Youngstown State University’s indoor track to help maintain their strength and speed, even throughout the cold weather.
Junior runner Hudson Lasher says, “This is where the magic happens- it’s harrowing, intense, and I constantly strive in every race I run. I always try to push beyond what I think I can handle and maintain a strong mindset that blocks out naysayers. This is a sport that molds you to becoming a stronger and better athlete.”
Indoor track provides an interesting opportunity for athletes, as it allows them to train in a heated facility to allow our athletes to run without the fear of slick ice or snow. Additionally, the school’s tracks have even played host to several meets through the last few weeks, which further helps mentally prepare the runners. It also gives them a chance to bring out their competitive side, which is something that’s extremely crucial for the sport. It can even give new runners the chance to become familiar with the sport, and see if they want to pursue it.
Sophomore runner Thomas Rawl says, “For indoor track, the best thing you can do is run everyday. Whether that means running on snow covered streets or going home and running on a treadmill. It’s also important to stay positive, and try to keep a healthy diet, because those factors can be a major part of overall fitness.”
As Rawl detailed, training is very important, as you don’t want to lose everything that you’ve built up during the fall sports seasons once you enter into the outdoor season in the spring. Falling behind is a liability in the sport, as speed is the most inherently valuable asset. Training throughout the whole year is ideal for long distance runners, as the different climates can help you adapt better. Running indoors can also help you challenge yourself in ways that you wouldn’t believe, as that is a factor in becoming even greater.
Sprinters seem to benefit more from running indoors, as it’s hard for them to run on a slick track or road, which makes them prone to serious injuries if they slip. Expanding on what was mentioned before, long distance runners usually benefit from running both inside and outside, as they aren’t going as fast as they possibly can. Most of the athletes come to the facilities on their own time, as they personally value their own training methods. They typically come several times a week, which just goes to show their dedication to transforming themselves into a better version of what they can be.
Lakeview alum and former runner Luke Whitmore says, “I’d like to say I have a big impact on them but these guys and girls are doing it all themselves, they’re showing up consistently to not only run at the YSU track but also outside in some pretty cold whether. They are extremely committed, and it’s very cool to see.”
Whitmore was a part of the 4×800 indoor team (which also included Mason Wheeler, Jake Langmeyer, Trenton Miller, and Jaden Kropp), which qualified for the indoor state meet two years in a row.
The indoor track season is soon coming to a close, however, as the warmer weather is beginning to roll on in. A new chapter will shortly begin for the Bulldogs in the form of the outdoor season in just a few short weeks.
