As an athlete who has played a multitude of sports, for me, track is a unique and challenging one. For one, track is a mental sport–you must have the mental toughness to participate and if you don't then don't waste your time. You have to train your mind and body to accept a level of physical strife not meant for everyone. You have a matter of minutes, sometimes seconds, to deliver. There is no next play or funky statistics to help decipher who played better. It's very cut and dry–who can run the fastest on that given day wins, period. A #1 seed can come into nationals and clip a hurdle, creating an upset that no one saw coming.
Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits
This mental game is what track athletes must master and then re-master every time they get behind the line. Here's how you can master the mental side of a simple, yet challenging sport:
Tip #1: EAT
The first piece of advice that I would give future recruits is you have to fuel your body differently at the college level. Drinking water and limiting desserts isn't enough–not having your parents around means you are on your own, and you have to figure out how you're going to get healthy meals and snacks during and around your classes and practices. I would recommend practicing cooking a few healthy meals before you start college. This means eating well-balanced meals including vegetables, protein, fruits, grains and the appropriate amounts of healthy fats.
Related: Nutrition Advice with USC Assistant Dietitian Jaymin McJimpson
Tip #2: Stay On Top Of Your Schedule
Academically, I was lucky enough to attend a high school that had a structured plan to help students prepare for college. With this said, I would recommend that you master your organizational and management skills. Every year I invest in a cute planner which in turn becomes my child and mental savior.
Related: 11 Ways To Perfect Your Time Management Skills as a College Athlete
Tip #3: Be a Student (Inside and Outside of the Classroom)
On the track, what has allowed me to be successful is my constant drive and eagerness to learn. I force myself to be a sponge soaking in all the tips that my coaches, teammates, and even competitors give me. As cliché as it sounds, I've learned to trust the process–I can relate to wanting to be the best right away and to be nationally known, but patience is a virtue. Everyone hits their peaks at different points. I've found excitement in knowing that I am far from my best. But I work very hard to achieve the goals I set for myself and am always open to learning and trying new things.
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* Originally published on February 2, 2023, by Gabby Scott
