As the Marist indoor track season comes to an end, the team has made a lot of improvements over the past three months. The strides are helping runners for the outdoor season which began last week.
“I saw lots of growth not only in myself but in the team as well. We are all very supportive of each other whether it is during practice or a meet we cheer each other on and in myself I have seen myself grow in speed and strength,” said senior Emma Collias.
Collias has been running track for the past four years at Marist and is one of the most decorated runners the school has seen.
Freshman Rose Cosme has also brought some amazing talent to the team this year. Rose broke the indoor girls 800 meter record, and is five seconds away from breaking the outdoor record.
“It feels really good to hold a Marist record. Marist track is really fun, yet competitive.” said Cosme.
Being an athlete and a student can be very stressful. As runners go to the line to start their race, the tension is high. It is known as the worst part of the race by many runners.
“I tell myself the faster I run, the faster I get to lay down and eat some food,” said Collias.
The indoor track season is a total of three months while outdoor is two months.
“I’m definitely more excited for outdoor track. The track is longer which means less laps and I can actually breath,” said sophomore Abby McClorey.
McClorey has been a member of the varsity track and cross country team for two years. She has gone to state twice and is hoping for a third chance.
“My team and I will be working very hard the next few weeks to make the cut for state,” said McClorey.
She runs a 5:26 mile and is looking to get sub 5:20 by the end of her time at Marist. McClorey has one of the fastest mile times in school history.
At an invite meet in March, the 4×800 relay team broke the school record. Their final time was 9:56:99. The members of the 4×800 team consist of Cosme, McClorey, Collias, and Caitlin O’Brien (junior).
“The school record definitely came as a surprise. I never would have thought this would have happened this quick into the season especially during indoor season,” said Collias.
“Without Rose, I’m not sure we would have broken the school record. We are so lucky to have her join our team,” said McClorey.
The girls distance track team practices 5 days a week with a meet usually on Saturdays. Practices consist of long runs, tempo runs, recovery runs, and track workouts. The girls’ high spirits are what keeps the practices fun. They are often encouraging each other.
“Everyone on the team this year is incredibly fierce, dedicated, hard working, and they fight through some very hard workouts,” said assistant track Coach Nora Doyle.
