Good enough for Middle School track team?

Question

My school's 7th & 8th grade track team started practicing a week ago, and I didn't go to the practices because I was too busy working on a project that we had been assigned. I have been running on a treadmill as regularly as possible (about every other day, rotating between that and an elliptical) since about Christmastime, running an average of a mile each time at about 6 mph. However, my friends on the team have said that they run about 2 miles every practice followed by sprints, regardless if they signed up for sprinting or distance, which I am more than fairly certain I can't run on a whim. On top of that, I became a vegetarian in October, which causes me to be lacking a lot of energy at the end of the day. Would it be useless for me to consider running track?

Answer 1

no it woudlnt be unless just work hard at practice everyday you'll be fine.i became a vegetarian in january and i dont get lack of energry so make sure you get plenty of proteins. eat lots of fruits and vegggies you'll be fine. goodluck

Answer 2

No, its not useless, thats what the track team practice is for!!!! Just be sure you get a lot of protein and you could do that by eating a lot of nuts and peanuts since your a vegetarian and eat really healthy foods. Your going a little too hard on yourself there and remember, anyone can join the track team and i think you should join if you really want to and its a fun and great experience. Good luck!

Answer 3

I personally think that you would be fine. The reason that there are practices is to make you stronger. you may have difficulty doing the practices at the beginning so just do that at your own speed, but you will find that as the season progresses the amount of running you do will increase but it will be easier for you. I did an entire track season with mono so i see your issue with fatigue, but that goes back to just doing what you can, you still have to push yourself for progression. I think you may have to reevaluate your dietary choices if you are having difficulty with fatigue you may have to adjust what you eat. there is no reason that you should be lacking energy regardless of being a vegetarian or not. make sure you are getting a lot of protein which is highly important if you are going to run, this can be obtain naturally through meat alternatives such as eggs and peanuts etc. please do not refer to a protein shake, these have too much protein and have no nutritional value as the the extra protein actually turns into fat.take vitamin supplements to ensure that you are getting the essential vitamins and minerals. also ensure your getting enough sugars and carbs. it has been preached to you carbs are bad, but the glucose in those carbs are what you body runs on. if you are not getting enough sugars etc you will inevitably be tired. good luck and i highly recommend participating in track, it is a great sport.

Answer 4

I gotta tell you that you are far too hard on yourself. It sounds like you did more than a fair amount of preparation, and I think you should go for it. Just go out, continue working hard, and have fun. You won't regret it.

As a former vegetarian, I know that it is a common misconception that vegetarians do not have enough energy for sports. In fact, you will probably have more energy than a lot of your carnivore peers. Of course, you will need to make sure that you take protein supplements or eat a lot of nuts and beans to balance out the absence of meat in your diet. Also, you will notice that you need to eat a lot more than before. Otherwise, everything should be the same, if not better.

I hope you decide to go for it. I know you will do great! In addition to the memories you will make, it will prepare you well for high school track. I cannot see a downside for you to be on track.

Answer 5

You should do what you want to do. If you enjoy running and want to be on the team then join the team. It may take a long time for you to find your event. Sometimes runners are in college before they find their event. You may be running something that is not your best event either to help the team or because you haven't tried the event. Just have fun and learn about running track. Your coach should understand you are new to the sport and help you.

Answer 6

I am not a very fit person but I made the varisty track team and i'm a freshman. Don't worry just try your best.. that's all you can do and whatever happens, don't be dissapointed if you are unable to be on the team i was kicked off modified last year and look where i am this year.

Answer 7

You would need to eat carbs for energy. If you've been running a mile you should be fine running 2 miles. You'll wip into shape in no time anyways give it a try

Answer 8

i think you should try it. if you're willing to do it, then that's all it really takes. the rest comes in practice. i'm part of a track team in high school, and i encourage everyone who has determination and the will to practice to join. that's what makes a great team.

Answer 9

yes anyone can do whatever it is you want to accomplish, as for running are you trying out for cross country or short distance? if cross country try getting alot of energy by obtaining a daily vitamin, or eat alot of fruits vegetables, and making some sort of a protien shake. if you are running like a 100 yard dash or short distance try doing excircises that increase your agility and speed. use google

Answer 10

I would join...go for it! What do you have to lose? I can tell you what you have to gain: friends, good times, confidence, better speed, more endurance,,,,,,

Join the team...you may just have the time of your life. Best of luck!

- Mike