In 40-degree weather, the winter track team lined up for its first time trial on Dec. 18 at the Berman track, marking the start of the season. Athletes lined up not chasing peak performances, but committing to the process that defines the winter season.
While results were recorded, coaches and athletes said that winter track is not about immediate success and records, but is more about growth. According to winter track coach Shayna Held, progress during the winter season often looks different from what it does in other track and running seasons.
“Progress isn’t always linear in winter track,” Held said. “Winter track is really heavy on a training season where there’s a lot more of a fixation on training and less on necessarily, results at the team’s time trials,” Held said.
The winter track team is a collection of 19 high school and middle school students, much smaller than the spring track and fall cross country teams.
In a typical practice week, there are two in-person practices a week, and extra work and running is assigned to the runners to do at home to stay ready and fit for the practices and the three meets left in the season.
Held explained that maintaining motivation during the winter track season relies heavily on team culture as the cold weather, tough workouts and limited competition lead athletes to lean on one another to stay engaged and energized.
“[There is] just a lot of support and a lot of giving each other the energy that we need to move forward,” Held said. “As I said, it’s not an easy season, it’s a heavy training season, so that’s what we need from each other.”
This supportive environment was especially evident across events at the time trial, including in the shot put competition. Freshman Ariel Mincha said he was proud of achieving a throw between 15 and 16 feet.
Looking ahead, Mincha plans to continue improving by practicing regularly, spending time in the weight room and refining his technique. Mincha encourages others to join the track team.
“Even though it’s not a team sport, everyone will cheer each other on,” Mincha said. “It’s so nice, and we’re a very supportive team. It’s very fun.”
Distance events reflected the team’s focus on individual progress. Junior Tara Hain set a personal best in the 800 meter distance, cutting two seconds off her time from the end of last season. Hain said she was most proud of her performance in the second lap of her run.
Hain stays motivated by focusing on racing against herself rather than others, an approach she says helps her enjoy the sport more.
“I just really love track,” Hain said. “I try to focus on improving my own times and enjoying the process.”
After initially feeling nervous at the start of the season, Hain credited the team’s supportive atmosphere for helping her. With many younger athletes competing this season, she noted that upperclassman runners play a key role in setting the tone for the entire team.
“The older athletes motivate the younger ones, and everyone cheers for each other,” Hayne said. “It’s a really positive environment.”
During the winter season, the team remains focused on building fitness, stamina, supporting one another and preparing for future success, including the upcoming time trial at Berman on Jan. 13. Coach Held encourages everyone to try track for a season.
“It’s accessible to everyone, and everyone should do track, at least at some point in their lives,” Held said.
