Progress

Like any sport, track comes with a demanding training schedule and some incredibly tough practice days. I’m talking about those days when you’re rolling on the ground, feeling like you can’t even walk afterward. I came from a high school with a track team that wasn’t very serious, so when I got to college, I was shocked by how intense the practices during fall training were. 

The first week of practice is usually pretty laid-back. Teams typically meet with their coach to go over the training schedule and maybe do a couple of light workouts. Not the jumps group. Right from the start, during that first week in September, we were already hitting hills, stadiums, and extensive circuits. 

While the workouts didn’t sound too bad in theory, my body was so out of shape that I was seeing stars through every single one, no matter how intense. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone—my teammates were right there with me, feeling the pain too. In high school, I didn’t have teammates to train with, so I did everything alone. I’m grateful for my teammates now, not just because I don’t have to face the tough times by myself, but because we can grow together.

Looking back, I can say that since September, I’ve made huge progress as an athlete. The tough workouts are more manageable now, and I’ve learned that my limits aren’t limits at all. I can always push beyond them.

So, if you’re a college freshman feeling like you won’t make it through the hard days, just remember: those tough days are the ones shaping you into the best athlete you can become.