Preseason for winter track is always one of the hardest parts of the whole sport. But it’s also the time when athletes really start to show what they are capable of. Even when the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, runners still show up ready to build strength, speed and discipline before the real meets begin. The energy during pre pre-season isn’t about medals . It’s about pushing yourself, so when the season actually starts, you are already ahead of everyone else.
Most winter track teams begin their pre-season by focusing on conditioning. Just like we did. We also had summer conditioning by the sprinting coach, which is Coach Ryan. He held summer conditioning and he did the same with winter conditioning. The winter meets are intense, and usually indoors with shorter tracks, athletes need to get more power . Coach Ryan usually plans a workout for us to do like running hills or stairs and focusing on core training. Sometimes conditioning can be really dreadful and long but it all pays out in the end.
Another big part of preseason training is the technique work. Even though people think running is easy, winter track requires skill. Sprinters work on starting blocks, keeping their form tight and having high knees. Long-distance runners practice pacing so they don’t burn out too easily. Shot putters spend time perfecting their form and their strength in their legs. In the weight room, they definitely focus on their legs the most.
A lot of workouts can definitely feel hard, especially for leg day and it can feel long and draining.,Leg day is when you focus on your legs a lot and have more intense workouts. It is important to stretch out so you won’t get injured or get a cramp. Making sure you have water is a good way to stay motivated and hydrated during workouts. It can help you keep your energy up.
Team bonding is also a big part of preseason track. Since winter track is the season where everyone is freezing outside or packed into the gym so during that time we all rely on each other a lot. Preseason helps teammates get closer together during conditioning and during tough workouts. Even if it’s cheering each other on during repeats or laughing after someone slips on ice when it snows at a meet. Those moments help us get closer as a team. It also helps us perform better as a team, feel more like family and be more comfortable with each other.
In the end, preseason for winter track can get you prepared for the entire season. It teaches athletes how to stay motivated during tough times and workouts or even when we are exhausted by school and still have practice. By the time the first meet arrives, the athletes who took preseason seriously are the ones who feel more confident and ready. That’s what makes preseason important with winter track
