It’s spring term, which means many things: sunlight, sit-down dinners, and TRACK SEASON!
With the return to normalcy this year, I am experiencing my first regular high school track season. The first meet happened three weeks into practice, so we had a lot of time to improve slightly and mesh as a group to establish an excellent team dynamic.
My events include the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 4-by-100-meter relay. I used to do the triple jump but decided this year to quit. I could not continue getting shin splints every other week. (Just kidding :)… sort of.) The sprinting group creates a hilarious environment with plenty of laughs, especially on hard workout days. Our coaches play into this vibe with jokes of their own, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
The first track meet happened on April 15. I won’t lie—I was nervous. Each year, I am afraid before the first meet, but this year was unparalleled. It was finally an ordinary year, so I wanted to perform as well as possible. On the bus ride to Governor’s Academy, I struggled to fall asleep because my stomach was turning so much. That apprehension did not settle until I had run my first event: 4x1.
The relay teams warmed up together with our sprinting coach. After our warmups, our coach gave us starbursts for a final burst of energy. I saved mine until I was in my zone, ready to run.
The gun went off, and just like that, the race began. I saw my teammate sprinting the first curve and attempted to settle my nerves. The first handoff was made, and soon the next. Then it was up to me. As my teammate approached, I took off, running for my life. My teammate called out, and I extended my arm back to receive the baton. With the baton in hand, I charged down the track. The funny thing is that even though I was previously so nervous, I hardly remember running!
The rest of the track meet went by relatively quickly. After I had run my 100-meter dash, I found a surprise: my mom and sister! They had shown up to Gov's without telling us first. (When I saw them, I thought I was imagining it!) I introduced my sister to a couple teammates, and she enjoyed watching the races. Maybe one day she’ll do track, too!
When the meet ended, my brother and I said goodbye to our mom and sister and headed to the bus. The ride from a track meet is always so much fun with silly talks, tons of laughter, music playing, and relaxation with the knowledge that the fight is over. (Well, until the next meet.)