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A TRACK ATHLETE IS:

GOAL ORIENTED - A track athlete knows where she's headed. With clear goals established she sees the value of hard work. She has no question why she's there. She's there to be as successful as she can be - and will use every capacity at her disposal to get there.

MOTIVATED - There is both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. The most successful have a high degree of intrinsic motivation. They are prepared everyday because they are not waiting for someone to motivate them. They only need direction to help them reach the heights they have decide they need to attain.

DEDICATED - Track athletes know that dedication is an everyday issue. It's doing the right think at all times. Besides the daily practice commitment it is taking care of themselves in everything they do. That involves eating right, getting enough rest, avoiding things that could harm performance and embracing those things that will aid performance. Total dedication is the only way to reach self-actualization. True dedication means that even when times are tough you never have to doubt yourself - because you have done everything possible to excel.

FOCUSED - Track athletes are focused. They concentrate in practice to get the most out of each day. They stay attuned to both the immediate and future goals. Then when meets come they know how to bear down and give it 100%. They are interested in the potential for success - not worried about the possibility of failure.

FIT - Track athletes have both general and specific fitness. Every area of the body must be trained so that no "weak link" or "Achilles heel" will cause them to be at less than peak performance. Then they must create a superior level of fitness within the muscle groups involved to give them the competitive edge. Other aspects of a track athlete can help compensate to a degree in the battle against an athlete of superior fitness. But a track athlete won't give away that type of edge.

SMART - Smarts help in any sport. The track athlete must be both technique and rules smart. As a technician the track athlete values repetition to hone each skill involved in the event. For example the high jumper must perform an early approach acceleration, a controlled turn, a proper plant, a maximization of height, proper body position over the bar and a safe landing. Every event has countless facets of each phase that the track athlete breaks down and practices individually before putting them into a synchronized performance. Track athletes must also know the rules to an event to maximize their opportunities and avoid disqualification.

ADAPTABLE - The track athlete must be able to switch events depending on the needs of the team. A switch from straight-away runner to corner runner in the 4X1 requires changing the hand used to carry the baton. Sometimes an injured athlete can still perform by adapting a technique. A track athlete's mind is always open to new possibilities.

COACHABLE - Track athletes have the ability to listen to the advice of others and synthesize the information. Then they utilize that information to become better. The coachable athlete is open minded and willing to try different methods. They establish belief in training principles and want to place their faith in the course of training in which they're involved. The coach/athlete relationship at its' best not only helps the athlete attain the goal but enhances the enjoyment of the competitive experience by the mutual respect which has been established.

TEAM ORIENTED - The track athlete is not only interested in personal success but that of the team as well. They help out in anyway possible and share in the joy of their teammates. They cheer for others (even within their own event) and enjoy the benefit of support from their teammates. They help out by passing on their knowledge to younger athletes and in that way become part of the reason for continued success of the program.