For the Michigan women’s track and field team, winter
break isn’t a time to lay out in a La-Z-Boy recliner,
munching on cheese doodles while watching meaningless bowl games
and “Real World” reruns. These student-athletes must
maintain peak physical condition while enjoying the comforts of
home. As some of their classmates spent the two-and-a-half-week
break wasting away, the Wolverines put in long hours training in
preparation for the upcoming indoor track season.
- Kate Green
- SETH LOWER/Daily
Vera Simms and the rest of the Wolverines kept up their training during winter break.
Just a few seconds can be the difference between a successful
race and a disappointing finish. To keep their times low, locals
participated in two or three structured workouts per week in Ann
Arbor. Those from outside the Ann Arbor area trained on their own
according to guidelines set by their coaches.
And how about the big holiday meals? While aware of the need to
stay in shape, the Wolverines still enjoyed an occasional
feast.
“We don’t want to come back 10 pounds heavier, we
want to stay healthy, but nothing too extreme,” freshman
Rachel Ward said.
With the entire squad back in town, the team has resumed its
normal routine.
“We had a workout yesterday, and people are getting back
into the college groove,” said sophomore Laura Brosius.
The Wolverines have little time to prepare. They return to
competition when they host the Jack Harvey Invitational on
Saturday. Michigan’s first intercollegiate meet of the indoor
season should be an important indication of how the team dealt with
the break.
“I think that this is one of those meets where people will
begin to see where they are,” said Brosius. “Obviously
everyone won’t be in as good shape as they could be, but
you’ll be able to see what you need to do for the next couple
months.”