As track is up and running, the LHS student body is always aware of what is going on in the track world due to its popularity and fondness. Senior Ike Mendel participates in the track madness, which he is very excited about.  

Track is able to make a difference in one’s life, no matter the circumstances. You can grow mentally and physically stronger.

“Track has impacted my life by developing me into a better person, ” said Mendel. “I believe that I have become a better person both in track and out of it, because I am better at learning from my setbacks and also at working hard to reach my goals. Track is a lot of fun to me because it allows me to spend time with my best friends and also channel my competitiveness through the meets.”

Track is not easy business, as committed track athletes, like Mendel, know. But the hard work that is put into the season does not just affect one’s athletic ability; it affects their life as a whole.

“It is a 10/10. I definitely would recommend it,” said Mendel. “I’ve done track since 7th grade and this will be my 6th season. And, yes, I want to run in college but I haven’t decided what college I will run at yet.”

Due to the popularity of the sport, one may make the assumption that track is worthwhile. Based on Mendel’s experience, track seems like it is a sport that is rewarding, as he has participated in every possible way. Although, it has not always been easy for Mendel.

“During my junior year of track, I had a stress fracture in my lower back, resulting in the end of my season and also creating a major setback to my senior year of cross country,” said Mendel. “The injury also made my college search extremely difficult, because college coaches look at your junior year track times when determining if they want to recruit you or give you a scholarship. But, my friends have had a significant impact on me by always pushing me to be the best that I can be. My coaches not only push me to be better but they also have helped me gain confidence coming back from my fracture.”

Getting injured during one’s athletic season can be a real disappointment, but Mendel was able to recover from this setback and is now out running again this spring. He was able to recover with the support from his friends and coaches because of the encouraging track atmosphere.

“A typical week of training can vary, but the exact amount of running each day depends on what the coaches wants us to do depending on where we are during the season,” said Mendel. “Although, each day can be replaced and rearranged to fit around our meets. But, I have to start going to bed earlier so that I can be better rested for practice and meets, and I have less free time to spend.”

Partaking in track is quite a commitment. On Mondays, Mendel has a long run, on Tuesdays he has an easy run and a strength workout, on Wednesdays he has a hill workout, on Thursdays he has another easy run and strength workout and finally on Friday he partakes in speed work or a different track workout. On the weekends he also continues to train. On Saturdays he has an easy long run, and on Sundays he either takes the day off or does an easy medium distance run.

‘The day in the life of a Track-ster’ takes some real commitment and balance; maintaining a student-athlete lifestyle can be a real struggle, as many know, but Mendel is able to do just this while still learning and enjoying his experience.  

“Through track, athletes develop many things; goal setting, humility, accountability, sportsmanship, determination,” said Mendel.