Fall sports are officially over, leading way to Liberty’s numerous winter sports. Among them is indoor track- a sports season many people (including some track athletes themselves) don’t even know exist. Despite a lack of recognition, distance indoor track athletes are dedicated in the training, earning Liberty a name last year in the indoor season. Indoor and outdoor track distance coach Bob Krile reflects on last years indoor victories and looks forward to a successful season this year.
“Last year our highlights were a 3rd place finish at the indoor state Championship meet by Elena Aldrink in the 3200 meter and a 6th place finish in the 4 by 800 meter relay”, Krile said. “In total, 18 of our distance athletes logged at least one indoor meet and we’re hoping to add to that total this year.”
The indoor season takes place from January through March, with the first meet being on January 11th at Otterbein University. Training for the athletes participating has been consistent since as early as October and will continue though the indoor season and to the outdoor track season. Indoor and outdoor distance track athlete Hannah Spires has found ways to make consistent training like this manageable while ensuring she does everything possible to be successful in the season.
“I really take it easy on my off days and the two weeks in between seasons”, Spires said. “I also take a slow start in upping my mileage to avoid burnout later in the season.”
While every athlete is different, most follow a similar training plan to prepare for the indoor season. Most start off with 4-6 days of running per week as well as 2 days of lifting. As the season draws nearer they will increase their weekly mileage as well as intensity of workouts.
“Our distance crew is very dedicated”, Krile said. “They log up to 30 or more miles each week, mostly mileage consisting of easy runs with some workouts sprinkled in”.
It may not seem worth it to sacrifice the time and effort required to train for indoor track- a season that lacks the recognition that other winter sports receive. But for a lot of athletes, it offers special chances to improve their athletic performance.
“I like indoor track because it relieves a lot of stress and it’s also a good opportunity to practice racing before the outdoor season”, Spires said. “I use indoor as a time to try to get some PRs before my main outdoor season.”
But participating in indoor track does more than just provide an extra season for setting personal records. Outdoor track athletes, especially distance runners, may find the extra months of structured training beneficial for their spring track season.
“The time they devote to indoor training in November through February is critical to success when the outdoor meets start in April”, Krile said. “I think indoor is something every track athlete should consider.”
As the weather gets colder, most people want to bundle up in their houses and avoid the outdoors, but for the distance indoor track team, this isn’t really an option. Athletes have to find ways to make running in the colder months enjoyable
“I hate running in the cold but I love to make cute outfits when it’s cold to run in, so that gives me some motivation”, Spires said. “I just tell myself to get out there and push it mile by mile.”
Although it can be hard to find the motivation for training in these months, athletes and coaches alike are confident their efforts will pay off in both the indoor and outdoor track season this year.
“I coach some of the hardest working dedicated kids I know”, Krile said. “It makes me and the other coaches super excited to see what this indoor and eventually outdoor season holds for them.”
