Preseason Apprehension

Disclaimer: In this post, when I mention “you” or “we”, I am referring to what I have found the general running public sentiments to be.

In the days before the first practice, many seem to dread the coming season, even if they love running and are very talented and well trained. I feel like everyone has this apprehension because they want to be the best they can be, and in order to do that they know that they are embarking on a journey of suffering and perseverance to reach these goals. We have this apprehension because we aren’t yet ready to spend two hours of our day for the next three or so months of our lives doing something that is both exhausting and exhilarating, but we know in our hearts that we would lose a part of ourselves if we decided not to do track.  Running is a lifestyle, and the people you meet on your team can be some of your best friends, so it is very hard to decide to not do track, so even though you do track and are glad to be doing it in most cases, that doesn’t take away the apprehensions that come along with the first few days before and after the first practice.

The prospect of facing the first day of practice can cause a rush of conflicting emotions. Usually one feels both excited and nervous. It is as if you are on a rollercoaster slowly approaching the first huge drop of the track, you are about ready to pee your pants in anticipation, but you are also really excited to feel the rush of adrenaline that the ride will bring. In regard to the upcoming season, athletes are usually nervous that they have not put in enough training during the off season and are worried that they are behind their peers, fretting over how out of shape they feel and how sore they will be as they attempt to gain their endurance and strength back. On the other hand however, people are usually excited about the promise and dreams that the new season can bring them! This mix of emotions can be both beneficial and normal if one keeps them balanced and doesn’t let their nerves get the best of them.