We are in the midst of track season. We have all experienced the shin splints, the shortness of breath, the empty water bottles, and the long nights at the track meets. It's a love-hate relationship (mostly hate), but it is a beautiful sport. Sprinters and distance runners unite! Here are 15 things only track runners can understand.
1. You know the importance of carbo-loading the night before a race.
You can never have enough pasta and garlic bread.
2. When you hear them announce, "Third and final call":
BRB, I'm about to die.
3. Form is everything!
Use your arms! Pocket-ear!
4. When Coach says you'll be doing 400-meter repeats for practice:
Bye, Felicia.
5. When you're on your third lap of the mile and ready to give up:
Good news: you only have a lap left! Bad news: you have a lap left.
6. That feeling you get after getting a PR:
Two seconds make a big difference.
7. Sun's out, guns out (and a really bad tan line)
Let's be honest. We are secretly proud of our tan lines.
8. When Coach puts you in four events:
"You can do it," they said. "It'll be good for you," they said.
9. When you're on the last 100 meters of your run:
Just imagine you're being chased by a giant, hybrid dinosaur.
10. When you are moved to the fastest heat:
Say hello to dead last. Hey, at least you're good enough to be in the hard heat!
11. The dreaded foam roller
The pain is excruciating, but it just feels so good.
12. You devour everything in sight once your race ends.
I deserve these three cheeseburgers, large fries, and this milkshake.
13. When you hear steps behind you during your race:
No way in hell I'm letting anyone pass me!
