Daily Grind articles are posted every Wednesday to provide a look into a day in the life of a college athlete and to give an example of time management skills.
While running 50 miles a week in high school helped Tyler Strothman earn a spot on Rice University's track and field team, in order to compete at the Division I level he has increased his training regimen…by a lot. In an interview with 2aDays, Tyler details his daily grind.
5:45am – 8:30am Wake up and run
Using a sleep tracking app called Sleep Cycle designed for a gentle wake-up, Tyler steps out of bed and gets ready for his morning workout. He then walks to Tutor Fieldhouse across campus where he meets up with his fellow teammates. Following warmups, which can include stretches, strides, and core, the run officially starts at 6:30 am. After running 10-12 miles, the team reunites at the fieldhouse before breaking off for the day.
Hustling back to his dorm, Tyler finds just enough time to shower, eat, and change before class.
Related: My Daily Grind: A Day in the Life of D1 Track Star, Danielle Steff
9:00 am – 10:00am – Class
10:00 am – 11:00 am – Training Room Treatments/Nutrition Center
Utilizing all free moments during the day, Tyler takes advantage of a break between classes to grab a protein shake from the nutrition center and get physio treatment from the trainer.
11:00am – 12:00 – Class
Walking from class to class, Tyler spends his few moments of free time catching up with his family over the phone.
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Lunch with the team
The team reconvenes again for lunch. Even though the entire 22 man roster can't always make it, meals are one of the main ways Tyler bonds with his teammates.
1:00pm – 2:00pm – Nap Time!
After lunch, Tyler heads back to Tutor Fieldhouse with a different goal in mind–because he has to deal with so many late nights and early mornings, Tyler often takes an afternoon nap to supplement his rest and recovery!
2:00pm – 3:15pm – Class
3:20pm – 3:35pm – Ice Bath
On heavy workout days, Tyler jumps in the ice bath for fifteen minutes prior to his second run.
3:45pm – 4:15pm – Afternoon run
Accompanied by some of his teammates, Tyler zig-zags across campus for an “easy” five mile run.
4:15pm – 4:55pm – Post-run exercises
To round out his workout, Tyler spends 20 minutes on core exercises and weight lifting, respectively. For core, he resorts to classic exercises such as V-ups and weighted Russian twists. For weights, he prioritizes light repetition over heavy sets.
5:15pm – 8:00pm Dinner & Team Bonding
After showering back in his dorm, Tyler and his teammates grab dinner together. After they eat, the team typically plays a game called “Horse Pool.” A hybrid between traditional pool/billiards and HORSE, the team each take turns trying to knock one of the balls into a pocket by aiming the cue ball in its direction. If someone is successfully able to guide the cue ball into a pocket, the next player is forced to make the same shot or risk receiving a letter.
8:00 pm – 10:30pm – Homework, TV and Bed
Physically exhausted, Tyler harnesses his remaining mental energy to finish his academic assignments. To unwind, Tyler usually spends 30 minutes watching TV with his roommate. Conscious of the importance of sleeping for his physical and mental health, Tyler calls it a night at 10:30pm only to wake up at sunrise the next morning to do it all over again.
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* Originally published on April 13, 2022, by Chloe Singer
