As Spring nears, runners line up at a starting line with the adrenaline pumping, getting ready to push off and run. Emeila Lynn and Lillie Gideon, who’ve been doing track for many years, were prepared to start this season with confidence.

“This would be my fourth year doing track,” Gideon said. “I feel a difference in myself this year, I feel more excited this year than last year because we’re getting the option to practice after school.”

Track season is starting up again with the first practice meet being at Bowie High School. Runners would be at Bowie practicing in the morning before school or at after school practice. 

“Track starts in January and it ends in April for most runners. If some runners compete well at districts then they continue to move until almost May,” Coach Tilson said. “Practices are long for our distance kids. They are 6:45-8:30 am and sprinters and field events are 7:15-8:30 am.” 

There are many track events so many runners may be doing multiple different things. This variation in events can lead to fatigue and problems maintaining enthusiasm in the sport.

“Last year I did the 300 hurdles, 100 hurdles, and towards the end of the year I did the 4 by 4, so this year I think I’m going to the 300 hurdles and the 4 by 4,” Lynn said. “I stay motivated to run by thinking about how good it will feel after I’m done and if I have a big accomplishment I just think about that.”

Tilson shares her passion for coaching track, emphasizing her commitment and dedication to creating a positive and encouraging environment for athletics.

“I wanted to coach track because I love having kids be active and successful,” Tilson said. “Since I coach cross country, most if not all my runners do track as well and I have a big bond with them. I look forward to being able to see their success.”