Welcome to the 2014 Track and Field Season! My name is Amir Rasul, Jr. and I attend Christopher Columbus High School where I am a double sport sophomore athlete. I am a running back for the Explorers’ football team and I am a sprinter. My freshman track season was great! I learned new sprinting techniques and was able to compete against some of the top sprinters in the state. My season culminated in a state title in the 100m and runner-up in the 200m. During the summer I ran with my longtime private track club, South Dade Xpress. I attended the USATF Junior Olympics in Greensboro, North Carolina and set a new record by running the 200m in 21.09s.
Now thatsSpring is here, I thought it would be great to talk about how I transition into track season. I never say I transition from football to track because I continue to practice my football drills during the spring also.
My days begin with prayer with my family. Then, before leaving for school, I do a light workout that consists of sit-ups, push-ups, jogging and stretching. That workout wakes me up and makes me alert for the day. I then usually eat a good breakfast. My favorite is waffles topped with sliced bananas and pecans and a drizzle of honey. Mmmmm!
Before afternoon practices, I listen to my favorite musical artists. Listening to music prepares me for the workout and relaxes me afterwards. My mom told me that music was the only thing that helped me relax when I was a baby. It still works!! I always put forth maximum efforts in practice because I want to have great performances. If time permits after I complete my homework and studying, I try to run a few sprints at the park.
At the end of a meet, if I’ve performed well, I am satisfied and so are the spectators. Track and Field enthusiasts remind me so much of football fans. They wait, with so much anticipation, to witness how well their favorite athletes will perform. As a track athlete, you are able to hear the screams and chants of spectators so well. I believe this is one motivator that all athletes share.
Needless to say, I am excited about this year’s track season. There are so many possibilities and so many records to break!
Good health and success to all athletes...
Amir will be blogging through the season for flrunners.com. So check in every week to see what the talented sophomore has to say about, training, meets, and maybe next week we will find out what he eats after races!
