As temperatures outside drop below freezing, that’s a sign that Emmaus winter track is in full swing. Despite the severe weather advisory warnings, the team can still be seen jogging outside alongside the snow on the ground. From November through February, athletes who participate in this sport can build up their immunity to the cold while also training for the upcoming spring season of track and field.
Head coach Kami Reinhard of the boys and girls track and field team enjoys taking the team outside to run around on the snow-covered concrete. Reinhard believes in the importance of practicing regularly, even if there are snowflakes glistening in the air. She tries to help her athletes stay toasty and motivated in the near-arctic conditions.
“I ordered electric hand warmers, which have made the cold much more bearable,” Reinhard said. “I really don’t mind the cold when I’m doing something I’m so passionate about.”
The group who has to utilize the outdoors as much as possible are the distance runners. These runners require a large amount of space to practice, so they have no choice but to run in the frozen tundra. Distance coach Kristen Susens guides her runners through harsh conditions and the piles of snow on the ground without hardly breaking their strides.
“It’s very infrequent they’re inside,” Susens said. “It’s got to be really, really cold, or legitimately dangerous for them to be outside for us to try to move inside.”
Runners must power through the chilly temperatures for the sake of getting essential training progress in. With time, junior Kendall Shriver has gotten used to the cold by keeping a positive attitude throughout more difficult practices. She thinks challenges like weather can help runners improve their resilience in the long run.
“The cold weather is less of a physical issue and more of a mental roadblock,” Shriver said. “In my opinion, it is very beneficial for athletes to train in the cold and test their mental strength.”
While winter practices can push the team’s physical and mental limits, coaches have noticed a sense of determination among everyone involved. For those who work hard, every obstacle becomes a stepping stone to success.
“Most of our athletes don’t complain too much about the cold because they truly love to be outside working on their talent and skills,” Reinhard said. “We have a really great group of students in all of our event groups, and they have been quite amazing in their ‘toughness’ this season.”
