Hurdles: Just when you thought running couldn't get any worse someone decided to come along and make it 10 times harder. Hurdles are hands down the scariest and most dangerous event in track. I can remember countless times where kids think they've cleared the hurdle but end up face planting right into the track. This is usually super funny at first but once you see the blood dripping out of the person's mouth you can't help feeling bad. I've only seen a few people get knocked out from face planting and that's just down right scary. To get a good visual aid for how bad falling in the hurdles hurts just go ask Makayla Boersma, and she'll show you all her scars from doing hurdles. Makayla is Cadillac's top hurdler and also holds the record for most injuries received from hurdles. Her record is way over 100 injuries, ranging from knee scrapes all the way to shin splints. Chances are if you can name it, she got it.
There are only two hurdle races in high school track and field: the 100 meter hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles. The 100 meter hurdles are usually fun to watch because all the kids in that event are fast and have a crazy good vertical. Hurdle races are usually very close and come down to who has the best hurdle form on the last two hurdles. A funny thought is that sprinters think running 100 meters is a tiring sprint but hurdlers, however, think it's easy and a lot of fun even though they're doing an event that's way harder than a regular sprint. Now 300 meter hurdles are the complete opposite because just like the 400 meter dash, everybody hates this event. The athlete's hate this event because it is about as tiring as a 400 but with a twist that'll send you into a state of calf cramps and coughing fits by the time you reach the finish. The spectator's hate viewing this event because it starts on the very opposite side of the track. Even Cadillac's esteemed hurdler Jake Maier, more commonly known as Pole Boy, isn't to particularly fond of this event. When asked why he does this event even if he doesn't like it he said, "Well Mr. Baker puts me in it and if I don't run it then I can't do pole vault, and I LOVE pole vault! I also do it because there is no one else in Cadillac who does hurdles." Just when we thought Jake was right a miracle happened right here at Memorial Stadium. A man named Austin Carlington stepped up and became one of our best 300 meter hurdlers. You might even say he's better than Pole Boy, and that's because unlike Pole Boy, Austin likes running the 300 meter hurdles. Even after testing negative for any mental illness, Austin still says he likes both the hurdling events.
The Hurdle events are very hard and dangerous but for any athlete that is willing to attempt them I salute you for you are truly an animal. Make sure to thank your local hurdlers soon!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Distance......Long Distance
Distance: Probably the biggest stereotype about track. When people think track they usually think of kids who are good at running long distances, but I'm here to bust this myth. In fact the Distance category is what most people struggle with. It isn't the endurance training people struggle with, it's actually the the apathy they suffer from running in circles for an extended period of time. The two distance races in high school track are the 1600 meter run and the 3200 meter run, more commonly known as the mile and two mile. These races truly test not only the physical endurance of a runner but the mental endurance as well. Let's visualize ourselves running the 1600 and get our mirror neurons firing! Bang! The start gun fires and you and the rest of the 30 kids ( yeah there's usually at least 20+ kids in each of the distance races) group up and settle into a slightly uncomfortable pace that's making you breathe slightly hard. After the first lap you think hey this isn't that hard, but then the pace slowly increases little by little. You're on your second lap now and you notice.... well that's just it, you notice nothing! The scenery around you appears to be frozen in time and the more you realize this the more your pace drops due to lack of focus on the race and more focus on being bored and exhausted. Finally it's your last lap and on the last straight away you sprint as fast as you can! Not to beat the person near you, or to the run a personal best, but to finally move on to something else!
The 3200 has the same effect, except the boredom lasts twice as long! Now I realize this is contradictory because this article is to encourage you to appreciate track more but let's be real, I don't even appreciate these races. Actually I've really only met a select few people who honestly like running the 3200. On Cadillac's track team the 3200 is used mostly as a threat to encourage practice productivity. For example when any thrower is messing around Mr. Baker will point at them and say, " There's our new 3200 guy!" This makes everyone in earshot stop and drop their jaw in sympathy for whatever young chap just got assigned to such a fate. Now Mr. Baker doesn't really follow through with making these kids run the 3200 because even he knows that this particular race is cruel and unusual punishment to any thrower who hasn't been running everyday. The runners, however, are actually the ones at risk for being "drafted" for this race. Many runners are signed up for the 1600, 3200, or both during tri-meets (which are essentially unimportant) so that they can get some endurance training for their other events. This actually helps a lot in all other races. Not only does it build endurance strength but it also motivates you to run faster in your usual events so you don't have to run any distance races again.
Now for those of you still reading that are actually interested in the 1600 or 3200 and potentially running it, here are some tips for improving your times. These tips are all from the great Trevor Thiebaut, Cadillac Track's beloved distance go-to guy, so you know their legitimate. Tip #1: Always start out a little faster than the people around you and seat yourself in the front of the pack. This will help prevent getting boxed in by other runners. Tip #2: Make your move to pass somebody or increase pace on the second to last lap so that way you don't wait too long and lose your opportunity. Tip #3: If it's cold out where little white 100% cotton gloves for well I don't know but he always wore them. Also don't wear under armor to keep your muscles warm and loose. Like Trevor always said, " Under Armor is for the weak!" pretty ironic if you've seen Trevor's figure, but hey he was pretty dang quick. Instead of Under Armor wear arm sleeves as substitutes because these almost identical to under armor articles of clothing won't make you look weak while also keeping you warm. (Refer to Figure 2.73-2.74) Tip #4: Always be focused on the race. Not the competitors, the hot girls watching- well okay maybe- not the boredom or even the weather because this will slow you down.
In general the distance races are loathed by mostly all but if you're actually good at distance then good for you because you posses a skill that most don't. As for liking distance races, that's a skill that is rarer than the super memory skill.
Figure 2.73 
Figure 2.74
The 3200 has the same effect, except the boredom lasts twice as long! Now I realize this is contradictory because this article is to encourage you to appreciate track more but let's be real, I don't even appreciate these races. Actually I've really only met a select few people who honestly like running the 3200. On Cadillac's track team the 3200 is used mostly as a threat to encourage practice productivity. For example when any thrower is messing around Mr. Baker will point at them and say, " There's our new 3200 guy!" This makes everyone in earshot stop and drop their jaw in sympathy for whatever young chap just got assigned to such a fate. Now Mr. Baker doesn't really follow through with making these kids run the 3200 because even he knows that this particular race is cruel and unusual punishment to any thrower who hasn't been running everyday. The runners, however, are actually the ones at risk for being "drafted" for this race. Many runners are signed up for the 1600, 3200, or both during tri-meets (which are essentially unimportant) so that they can get some endurance training for their other events. This actually helps a lot in all other races. Not only does it build endurance strength but it also motivates you to run faster in your usual events so you don't have to run any distance races again.
Now for those of you still reading that are actually interested in the 1600 or 3200 and potentially running it, here are some tips for improving your times. These tips are all from the great Trevor Thiebaut, Cadillac Track's beloved distance go-to guy, so you know their legitimate. Tip #1: Always start out a little faster than the people around you and seat yourself in the front of the pack. This will help prevent getting boxed in by other runners. Tip #2: Make your move to pass somebody or increase pace on the second to last lap so that way you don't wait too long and lose your opportunity. Tip #3: If it's cold out where little white 100% cotton gloves for well I don't know but he always wore them. Also don't wear under armor to keep your muscles warm and loose. Like Trevor always said, " Under Armor is for the weak!" pretty ironic if you've seen Trevor's figure, but hey he was pretty dang quick. Instead of Under Armor wear arm sleeves as substitutes because these almost identical to under armor articles of clothing won't make you look weak while also keeping you warm. (Refer to Figure 2.73-2.74) Tip #4: Always be focused on the race. Not the competitors, the hot girls watching- well okay maybe- not the boredom or even the weather because this will slow you down.
In general the distance races are loathed by mostly all but if you're actually good at distance then good for you because you posses a skill that most don't. As for liking distance races, that's a skill that is rarer than the super memory skill.
Figure 2.73 Figure 2.74
Monday, October 13, 2014
Middle Distance
Middle Distance: probably the worst kind of race to run in track. The middle distance races consist of really only the 800. I guess you could argue the 400 and the 1600 (mile) for middle distance but the 800 meter dash is vastly different from both races. The fun thing about the 800 meter dash is that it's the only race to be known as a sprint-stance, a sprint and distance mix. Is it more like a sprint? Is it more like a distance? It's more like 2 laps of nothing but blood, sweat, and tears in a non-stop, action packed race that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the runners are passing out across the finish line! Freshman runner Brendan Shannohan likes this race so much he yells, " I'm so jacked for this race man! I'm all loosened up too, I mean I'm so loose that I'm.. FOOTLOOSE!" Motivational stuff right there. If that doesn't make you want to run then you're crazy. Since this race is so much fun it's unfair to keep anyone from running this race. That's why when kids start out in track whether it be their first year of track or their first meet of the season, everybody ends up running the 800 at least once every year!
While the 800 meter run is fun it is also quite the enigma. You see since it's a combination of a sprint and a distance event no one to this day, including me, know how to pace. Is it a hard first lap and a slower second lap? Or maybe it's vice versa? Whatever the case this race is anything but easy. A famous quote on the mysterious pacing problem comes from Max Stebbins stating, " Yeah I don't know man... my first 800 meters for my 1600 was faster than my actual open 800." This is exactly the case. Max's time for a single 800 came out to be 2:16 while his first 800 split for the 1600 was 2:10. Another weird thing about the 800 is that you never have a good feeling about your performance. There's been times when people feel like they absolutely shattered their old time when realistically they did worse! It also works in the opposite effect when people think they ran terribly then they come to find out they ran a personal best by several seconds.
On the serious side of things the 800 is my favorite race because I excel at it more than the 400 meter dash or the 1600 meter run. I also like it the best because on the last 150 meters of the 800 most kids are usually running low on energy and I'm usually turning on the back burner and passing a few kids right before the finish line. This usually angers everyone in the race but hey, what are ya going to do?
The real key to dealing with the 800 comes down to mental toughness. By the second lap everyone is usually cramping but the runners who block this pain out are the ones who go one to be all state, all conference, all area, etc. That's why it's important to train hard and with maximum effort. That way you don't end up like Ex-statistician, Ben M, better known as Ben with a bad Polish name. The reason Ben never excelled at this race is because his attitude toward the race was always, "Ugh I hate this race." Well when your attitude is terrible so is your time! That's why the key for this intensifying, all out, race is mind over cramps!
While the 800 meter run is fun it is also quite the enigma. You see since it's a combination of a sprint and a distance event no one to this day, including me, know how to pace. Is it a hard first lap and a slower second lap? Or maybe it's vice versa? Whatever the case this race is anything but easy. A famous quote on the mysterious pacing problem comes from Max Stebbins stating, " Yeah I don't know man... my first 800 meters for my 1600 was faster than my actual open 800." This is exactly the case. Max's time for a single 800 came out to be 2:16 while his first 800 split for the 1600 was 2:10. Another weird thing about the 800 is that you never have a good feeling about your performance. There's been times when people feel like they absolutely shattered their old time when realistically they did worse! It also works in the opposite effect when people think they ran terribly then they come to find out they ran a personal best by several seconds.
On the serious side of things the 800 is my favorite race because I excel at it more than the 400 meter dash or the 1600 meter run. I also like it the best because on the last 150 meters of the 800 most kids are usually running low on energy and I'm usually turning on the back burner and passing a few kids right before the finish line. This usually angers everyone in the race but hey, what are ya going to do?
The real key to dealing with the 800 comes down to mental toughness. By the second lap everyone is usually cramping but the runners who block this pain out are the ones who go one to be all state, all conference, all area, etc. That's why it's important to train hard and with maximum effort. That way you don't end up like Ex-statistician, Ben M, better known as Ben with a bad Polish name. The reason Ben never excelled at this race is because his attitude toward the race was always, "Ugh I hate this race." Well when your attitude is terrible so is your time! That's why the key for this intensifying, all out, race is mind over cramps!
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Sprints
Sprints: undoubtedly the easiest category of running in track and field. Sprints offer a number of events that involve well... sprinting! The thing to know about sprinting events is that it's not only about who is the fastest, but how long a sprinter can hold their top speed. A sprinter that isn't as fast out of the blocks as another sprinter still has a chance to get the gold if he or she has a greater endurance power. I'm not saying sprinters should run 70 miles a week to build up their endurance but I'm definitely saying it's overlooked by many sprinters and coaches for that matter. An example of how overlooked it is, is when a sprinter crosses the finish line and flops around on the ground gasping for air for about two minutes when they only ran a half or a quarter of a lap. It doesn't make much sense to me but from their perspective and training a half a lap feels like a mile because most of their training is done in shorter distances like 50 meter sprints to work on speed.
The 3 main sprints are known as the 100 (quarter of a lap) 200 (half a lap) and the 400 ( full lap). The sprint relays involve the 4x100 (everyone runs a 100), the 4x200 (everyone runs a 200), and the 4x400( everyone runs a 400).Cadillac's program has very few natural sprinters, but with the help of the "Triple Entente" of coaching starring Mr. Todd Money-Maker Baker, Laura Speed Demon Dahlquist, and "Miles" Michelle Brines, After only a couple of weeks of training anyone can be a sprinter! I mean I'm not just making this up because we desperately need sprinters. I'm saying this because our good coaching needs to be appreciated! If you don't believe me take Lisa Metzger's word for it. Lisa is one of Cadillac's number one sprinters of all time. Lisa has many conference and regional titles showing that Lisa is living proof of our flawless sprinter program. A quote from the amazing Lisa about her opinion on sprints in general and her training states, "I do sprints because I am naturally fast. I learned this my freshman year when I was thrown into several varsity relays because of my speed. After years I am now even faster and hungry for another regional, conference, and hopefully state appearance." Wow, inspirational to say the least. Now that we've introduced you to our local athletes and their program let's cover the basics of sprints!
Event: 100 meter dash. This is the shortest of all the sprints and it is exactly 1/4 of a lap. This event really shows the true speed of any athlete since it's focus is on acceleration out of the blocks and a tad bit of endurance.
Event: 200 meter dash. This is the middle sprint, and just like the middle child of a family, this sprint is usually ignored or not watched. It's lack of spectators stems from the shift of the start line from the head of the track near the fans to the complete opposite side where no one is.
Event 3: 400 meter dash. This is my favorite sprint of all time because usually about half way through most runners are gasping for air, thinking about quitting track, or feel like they're dying in general. Evan Lee, Cadillac's fastest 400 runner says, "Ughhh I really don't want to run this..." before every race to get himself jacked out of his mind to win!
The thing to remember about sprints is that you have to run a lot of sprints to become a good sprinter and there's always going to be a guy from Rockford that'll be faster than you.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Track & Field: The Story Untold
While track seems like a care free sport it actually can be quite serious. Before every race, athletes warm up and stretch, some even vomit because of the pressure they feel, but most of the athletes tend to throw up after the race. All these feelings of apprehension and fear of letting themselves, teammates, or coaches down are all worth it once the starting gun goes off. As soon as the race starts you can't think about anything except going faster or keeping your pace. The best part of the race is the last straight away, when it comes down to who wants it more. Once you cross the finish line you feel yourself overcome by a multitude of emotions. Accompanying these emotions are usually cramps to every part of your body below the waist. This is just one little drawback to track compared to all the fun opportunities it beholds.
The running events are split in to separate categories depending on the length of the event. All the running events and relays fall under one of the four distinct categories: sprints, middle distance, distance, and hurdles. The non-running or field events are what most track and field athletes love the most about the sport. A memorable quote from Cadillac's best high jumper, Quinn Kaspriak says, "High jump is my favorite thing about track because it keeps me away from events like the 800 meter run or the mile!" Very, very powerful words words from one of Cadillac's finest. While field events are a great way to run away from running, however, they require lots of skill, speed, strength, and mastery of technique. Most field events revolve around jumping like high jump, long jump, and pole vault to a certain extent. The other high school field events are shot put and discus which both revolve around throwing. All of this is information is just a scratch on the surface for all the parts of track and field. With my next posts I will go more in depth on the four categories of running events and all field events.
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