Jump after jump, mile after mile, hurdle after hurdle, sprint after sprint and throw after throw. Track and field is a highly demanding sport for many. This rigorous sport could be challenging to run into, but thankfully coaches Danny Kung, Kelli Hancock, Whitney Johnson, Erl Cabanas and Jason Jacobson offer track pre-season.
With track and field sneaking up on the athletes in spring, pre-season is an incredible way to get a headstart, as consistent practice is essential for vast improvement. Student-athletes who are seeking abundant success and expanding their talent participate in pre-season. Various track and field participants train in the following roles for the team;
The Endurance Runners
Led by Coach Jason Jacobson, these athletes compete in everything from 800-meter to 3200-meter races. Many question if endurance runners only focus on long-distance events. But no, these multi-tasking athletes also train on their speed and strength on top of mileage, as the runners may also focus on races like the 400-meter or 4×400-meter relays.
The majority of track endurance runners participated in the fall cross-country season, making pre-season the perfect flow to get in the mindset for a faster-pace type of race.
The Jumpers
Run and then jump: if only it were that simple. From long jumping on a sand pit to high jumping over a four-meter-long horizontal bar, athletes require technique. During pre-season, jumpers focus on refining their approach, takeoff and landing to ensure they’re ready for the demands of competition.
The Pole Vaulters
Athletes must sprint down the runway, plant the pole into a box and use its energy to propel themselves over the bar, all in a matter of seconds. Pre-season is essential for pole vaulters because it allows them to focus on building the strength needed for the explosive movements in the vault. During pre-season, vaulters work on sprinting, developing upper body strength and improving flexibility to help with pole handling and launching themselves over the bar.
Pole vaulter and runner Caroline Clarke said, “Track pre-season helps me prepare and makes sure I’m the best I possibly could before the season starts.”
The Sprinters
For sprinters, it’s all about maintaining a strong pace throughout the race. During pre-season, sprinters can be seen working on their running form, acceleration drills and stamina. With each second passing a place is at cost. Due to this, sprint training for the 100, 200 or 400 meter consists of improving fast reactions so that when the starting pistol goes off runners can launch off the blocks quickly.
Ashley Garcia, a 200-meter (personal record of 25.92) and 100-meter (personal record of 12.51) sprinter, participates in the track pre-season. Garcia said, “The off-season is helping me get back in shape and gets me in the right mindset early on.”
The Hurdlers
To take sprinting a step further, hurdles are placed on the track to test runners’ precise timing and technique. Without the right timing or right motion, hurdlers can trip and only hope to catch back up. Thankfully more technique-focused practice is available during pre-season to build the foundation for the complex event.
Braden Carlson, an experienced distance runner with a 5:13 mile but a new hurdler, said, “I’m training for the 300 meter hurdles in pre-season. We do intervals and weight training which is very fun.”
Relay runners compete as a team in events like the 4x100m and 4x400m, where each runner sprints a specific section of the race and passes a baton to the next teammate. For instance, a 400-meter relay is where four runners sprint 100 meters each, passing the baton between each sprint. These events require speed, precision and teamwork. The smooth baton exchanges can make or break the race. Many athletes compete in this on top of their main event. From endurance runners to sprinters, it’s an event for all.
The Throwers
The amount of skill and strength the shot put and discus athletes require is unmatchable. Throwers must use all their force to send their equipment as far as possible while maintaining accuracy. The off-season gives them the extra time to develop their muscle memory and ensure they are prepared to compete with maximum distance and power.
Bringing It All Together
The seemingly individual sport is one where various athletes come together and all have a unique skill to bring to the table. Whether running or participating in a field event, pre-season sets the framework for the hard-working athletes and prepares them for what’s to come.
