theHword.com

I took in my first outdoor track meet of the season last weekend and who would have thought I would have gotten sunburned in March! I love track meets…they are so exciting to me! The meet was at Hastings College and there were so many teams and so many great athletes to watch.

In fact, I think that’s why I really enjoy watching track, all of the athletes are in such great shape! And why wouldn’t they be, they all run all the time and I’m not even exaggerating! After they get done competing for the day, they get with a group of teammates and for a 3-4 mile cool down run! Saturday if you were anywhere in a three mile radius of HC you probably saw these track athletes “cooling down.” It just amazes me!

With it being so warm on Saturday it was really evident just how in shape these athletes really are! All the athletes running around in their little track uniforms…who wouldn’t be a little envious, but more than that I was amazed with their hard work and dedication. Not only do they work out all the time, they also take care of their body nutritionally…I know because my brother is one of them! They eat right, run, lift, sleep and recover like they are suppose…and their rewards are huge too, on the track, but more importantly how they feel every day. Healthy. Strong. Energetic.

Anyone can be a runner, if you do it the right way. Most people who want to start running try to go gung-ho the first time out and then quit not too long after that because they are sore. If you are interested in running start slow and increase a little every week. For example, start out with the goal to run/walk for 30 min. Alternate between walking and running for 30 minutes, walk for four minutes then run for five minutes for the first week or two then every week and one more minute of running until you are able to run for 30 minutes at a time. From there the possibilities are endless !

The weather this spring is perfect to start running…so go out and enjoy beautiful Hastings!

On another note…in my brothers first performance of the season he did great!  I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about his track season because I like to brag about him!

 

About the author: Amanda McKenzie

Amanda is a 20-something resident of Hastings who found her way here via Hastings College. She is an Exercise Specialist at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital. She coaches girls a competitive 8th grade girls basketball team called Nebraska Heartland. In her spare time she enjoys getting together with friends and family, watching and participating in sporting events, working out and shopping.