Winter Track Hits the Ground Running

As winter begins, and temperatures begin to drop, the winter track team begins their season. While most students look forward to bundling up in cozy blankets, the track team is ready to brave the cold and put in the work. Every day, the team meets after school from three to five p.m. Among these athletes is junior Tyler Suh. Since this season is his first, he describes practices as “difficult but motivating,” adding, “I always feel tired around four as it begins to get dark.” However, he believes that with the support of the team, he is able to push through.

For many runners, winter track is a chance to reconnect with friends and teammates. Junior Ethan Ruslim shared his excitement about the beginning of the season: “I am incredibly excited to run with people I haven’t seen since the cross country season ended.” After many months, teammates are reunited and bring motivation to practice.

The winter season is largely about preparation: through the cold, runners improve their endurance, strength, and refine their fundamentals. Ruslim comments that “compared to spring track, during winter track, I am able to run every step with purpose, as I am focused on self-improvement.” Specifically, Ruslim explains that during this season, he “personally hope[s] to improve my endurance/strength and best time,” a commonly shared goal with novice and experienced runners on the team.

Despite the freezing hands and low visibility, practices are always lively. Runners run as a group, and cheer for other groups that pass by. For many athletes, winter track is more than just preparing for the spring; it’s an opportunity to improve skills that translate to other sports. As Suh mentioned, “my main sport is really lacrosse, but I joined winter track to improve my endurance.” He explains that the conditioning along with the cold helps him build stamina to better himself as a lacrosse player. Suh also added that “winter track has built up my consistency.” Even on days when he feels too tired to practice, the other runners have held him accountable, something he truly appreciates. As the season continues, the team remains focused on growth rather than perfection. With determination, these athletes are turning the coldest months of the year into an opportunity to improve themselves for the spring once winter comes to an end.