Lap 4 of 4

Dear Diary, 

I just finished my last Spring Track meet ever. I crossed the finish line as a Whitman-Hanson athlete for the last time. That is crazy to think about. 

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I joined track in the sixth grade because a bunch of my friends were talking about joining. The idea of running in circles sounded fun to me, so I gave it a try. It did not take long for me to realize that I love the sport of running. On days when I did not have practice (when practice was only 3 days a week), I would run the mile loop around my neighborhood for fun. As a middle school runner, I ran the 400 and did the hurdles. Hurdles? Yeah, I know. That is surprising. I qualified all three years for the state meet as well. Maybe that is what motivated me. :)

I remember being nervous about Spring Track as a freshman because I heard a lot of people were on the team, and the idea of that made me uneasy. I was not sure if I could keep up with all the distance runners. To my surprise, practices were somewhat like the cross-country ones that year; however, there were a lot more people on the team. They were all super fast, but I worked hard to try and keep up with them. During this time of my life, school and my outside life was very stressful; I looked at practice as a way to escape all of my worries. That year, this idea worked. Running was my escape. I never won a race, but I improved throughout the season and made myself proud; that is a win in my eyes. 

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Due to the fact there was no sophomore Spring Track season, junior year was my next. Junior year Spring Track was not ideal. If I am being honest, I wish I could erase it. This was when my performance anxiety was at its all time peak, and I suffered a lot of mental battles. I did not finish every race, and there were multiple practices and meets where I left with a face covered in burning hot tears. I am so lucky I had people that helped me through this. 

Here is a reminder to check on your friends… Seriously, go check on them. :)

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My senior season was one to remember. I built bonds I will treasure forever and made memories that will last a lifetime. It was a pleasure to be a captain of such a wonderful team full of uplifting people. Being able to compete with my senior friends in the 4x800 was an experience that I will look back on as a perfect representation of determination to succeed and teamwork as a whole. Competing against competitive girls in the divisional meet was truly an inspiration; seeing how fast and courageous other females my age are in this sport amazed me and caused me to push myself more during the race. 

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Now, here is a little moment during this season that demonstrates just how close track and field athletes are:

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If you did not know, I utilize daily affirmations: positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. (www.mindtools.com) Before I run any race, I always repeat affirmations out loud to my other team mates; it has become a tradition for myself. At our Patriot League Championship meet, a freshman came up to me and told me that she, alongside the other Whitman-Hanson athletes in her race, repeated my affirmations before they ran. She told me that it helped them keep calm and push themselves on the track. All the freshmen and sophomore girls that spoke these motivational words had such a strong race. I was delighted to hear that they used my strategy; I am so proud of them all. 

⁕Here are some positive daily affirmations that I used this past season:⁕

I am strong. 

I am fast. 

I am capable of completing this race. 

My times do not define me. 

I have trained hard; therefore, I know I can run to my greatest ability. 

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It is kind of funny to think about how I used to run the 400 in middle school, but in high school I ran the mile. The mile in outdoor track is four laps. From my perspective, the third lap is the most mentally difficult because it is where your body starts to become fatigued; however, it is the lap where I start to try and pass competitors and work to stay consistent with the pace. I believe that the mile is one of the most laborious events in track and field. (I know some people may disagree). You have to push yourself physically and mentally; in addition, you have to incorporate hours worth of practice to be a strong distance runner. All in all, I feel that running is one of the most demanding sports. But, it has its rewards. Running makes you tough. Running makes you powerful on and off the track.

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I guess this is it. I guess I just finished my last track season ever. It is sad to think about. Well, not necessarily sad. It is more bittersweet if that makes sense. It is sort of sentimental because I have been on a team for about six years now, and I am now moving on. But, moving on can be good because it indicates that you are growing and changing into a better version of yourself, a more mature and experienced version of yourself. I guess this is it. I just finished lap 4 of 4. 

Thank you Whitman-Hanson Track and Field for helping me become the person I am today. 

Captain Anna Flynn signing out. 

Here is a reminder that your athletic performances do NOT define you. Go drink some water. You matter. ♡

Sincerely, 

Anna