Dear Coaches
This is a letter from an athlete’s point of view to help bring an understanding to “our ways”. Our way of practice, our way of training, and dressing. After reading this, I am hoping you will be able to make sense of who we are as individuals.
When we walk in to practice blasting Jumpman by Drake & Future you may be wondering how we could be listening to such “rachetricity” so early in the morning. But its our way of drilling into our inner Cam Newton and Steph Curry. As we stroll in to Dej Loaf “Back up” we are carefully plotting on a masterplan towards a productive day of training. Though we can’t be Steph Curry with the shot, we can be Justin Gatlin out the blocks!
‘When you bring together people from different parts of the world, you should expect there to be unusual, yet engaging trackside conversations. During acceleration practice and the topic of choice is which football team is going to get smacked this weekend, its not because we are not zoned in to the workout. It’s because in order to not overthink and fall into the emotions when mistakes occur, we have to take a moment to decide if Baylor could withstand a throttle from Oklahoma.
Our choice of clothing or hairstyles can be quite eccentric. You may wonder how we are able to rock 26 inch Peruvian body wave bundles without tripping over ourselves or a House Party high top fade can fly over a hurdle. We like to think when you look good, you run good. Flo Jo rocked (long nails), we rock big bows and the Altis shield on the side of our heads. Our tights may look like they were worn by Will Ferrell on Blades of Glory, but check out that trail leg though!
When doing drills we are practicing rhythm and synchronization, so it is only right we incorporate hitting the Nae Nae and Whip. The timing and coordination that is needed to master these particular moves can make all the difference. Its been said speed and power can be taught using rhythm. So how much do you understand speed if you can’t Hit The Quan like me? How you ever witnessed the flick of the wrist involved in the shot put? If not, ask Chedda Da Connect.
In conclusion, I hope this has given you a glimpse into our lifestyle. Our trendy ways, our spunky attitudes, our electrifying demeanor. So the next time you hear the “No Music” hand clap on the long jump runway, please understand, we are zoned in to the goal. Its just our personality shining through.
Sincerely,
Your Favorite Track & Field Athlete
