Just Another Day In Paradise

Oh you know the saying. You can change it for almost anything, but in this case it will be the following:

You can take a girl off the track, but you can't take the track out of the girl.

Something like that I guess. So very true. It's funny, when I was sticking to that grueling schedule of workouts six days a day, I couldn't wait to slow down. Oh I didn't want it to end really, I just wanted a break. What would it be like to be a "normal" student? I will never know that, but I know what it was like to be a student athlete and looking back on it, I wouldn't change it for the world. Now I find myself yearning for the track. I miss it so much. Who knew it was such a HUGE portion of my life? I guess I should have, but you don't realize somethings or appreciate them until they're gone. (Yea, yea I got a little clique on you. Sorry.)

This fabulous spring weather has started it. I've had to go on runs to get even a taste of what is missing, but it's not the same. The sore feeling, the stressful schedule, the exhausting workouts, the traveling, the thrill of competition. I miss it all. Just stepping onto the track on Friday put a pep in my step. The sight was beautiful. Athletes everywhere. Gun shots for the start. Cheering. Even tight uniforms and sweat. This is my world. It felt like I was coming home.

I remember the first time I saw UNC-Charlotte's track. It was a beautiful sight. I knew we would be great friends and worst enemies all at the same time. It's where I sweat, bled, laughed, cried, PRed, learned, and made the best friends anyone could ask for. The track is home, they are family. A family reunion with some healthy competition. That's what Friday was. And just what I needed.

You couldn't have asked for a better weekend for a track meet. Before you ask, no I did not compete. I could if I wanted to, but I hung up my spikes last May and I don't intend on bringing them back out anytime soon, if ever. I have a new place, one I hold with honor. Coach. Yep that's right. I'm pretty good too. I may not have been the best in the world, but I know my stuff. (Just to brag a little)

I joked that it was the most relaxed I've ever been before a meet. Until 3rd attempts at opening came around. They had me a little nervous, but of course they pulled it out of their butts, it was ugly but the bar stayed. It was a rough meet for most, not because they can't do it, they can. It has been a horrible winter and that plays a huge role in how well they do. For starters, the pole bends more when it's warm, so they had to find the right pole and standard settings. Then, the warmer it is the looser your legs are and the faster you will run, so they had to find their run and step. It was quite eventful, but if the weather stays nice, or even decent, my little jumpers are going to do GREAT! I'm so excited.

I just love track season!



I like running, because it’s a challenge. If you run hard, there’s the pain, and you’ve got to work your way though the pain. You know, lately it seems all you hear is "Don’t overdo it" and “Don’t push yourself." Well, I think that’s a lot of bull. If you push the human body, it will respond. -Bob Clarke