Track
As the end of the school year nears (finally), so does the track season. As such, I’m a little conflicted. While track is a fairly entertaining sport and it keeps me in shape longer so that cross country will be better next year, I’m not sure whether or not I should keep doing it after the year is over.
But why are you conflicted, Carl? Good question! The reasons I should keep doing track are important. First, there’s my nightmare of Doug killing me because he thinks I should stay on the team. Even though that’s not very likely due to my relative insignificance on the team, it’s a scary prospect.
Secondly, I enjoy running, especially in groups. When you’re in a group it’s harder to slack off because everyone will know about it and you’ll fall behind. When I’m just running by myself I don’t necessarily push myself as I might otherwise.
Thirdly, I love having two free periods during track season. Instead of going to PE like all the other juniors, I get to chill in the lounge and do whatever I feel like doing that period, until the start of fitness testing. Even though track takes up time after school, it feels like less of a big deal since I would normally have to wait about an hour after school to go home anyway, making the two-hour practice less of a big deal.
However, then there are the reasons I shouldn’t remain on the team. This is really only one reason, but I’ll put it into two parts. First, I don’t run any events that well. With my best time of 5:46 in the 1,600, I’m hardly anything special. And in other events, I’m just plain terrible.
Secondly, I have absolutely no chance whatsoever at lettering. Being part of a team is nice, but what do you show for it if you’re not on varsity? A little sheet that says I participated, I guess.
Anyway, I’ll think about it.
— Carl Zielinski