Preseason

Preseason.
It's quite an intimidating idea. The fact that you have to work overtime just to keep up with your competitors. All year, 'round the clock--track season never really starts nor ends. Not to mention the fact that preseason (or off-season, considering it goes all year) partially takes place during the coldest part of the year. Oh so pleasant, yes?

I myself have not been to much of the off-season training. Who would go to track practice in the summer heat when there's a beach to be visited? Or force yourself out into the frozen air during the winter when there's homework to be done? That, right there, is the number one problem of preseason: motivation. I've struggled with it countless times.

But then, I think of that first day of practice. When all the cute little Freshies are puking up their breakfast, while us varsity athletes, conditioned in the off-season, stand tall and stride long. That right there is enough to keep me going. That, and the thought of seeing my name on the top ten list for an event in our league.

Speaking of the first day of practice... Season starts in exactly 10 days. And yes.

It is going to "get nasty" on the track this year.