YOUR FIRST TRACK MEET?

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Here's everything you need to know (share with your peers)

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WHAT TO BRING

In a a small plastic bag: the socks you want to compete in, plus an extra t-shirt, shorts, and hoodie. Check the weather so that you pack sunscreen, umbrella, or hat/mitts. Put this in your backpack the night before. Most track meets are NEVER cancelled due to poor weather.

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WHAT TO WEAR

Dress in your competition singlet and technical shirt over top, your competition shorts and WEAR sweat pants or tights and a hoodie or jacket overtop. This is how Olympians dress, even in the summer!

 

WHAT TO EAT (and when)

Eat your normal breakfast. Pack your water bottle and healthy snacks (granola bars, apples, oranges, the type of sandwich you usually have for lunch, a juice box etc.) Put this in your backpack also. Most athletes can safely eat a couple of hours before their event, so check the schedule and have some nutrition well before your event. If you wait too long, or have only water, you will not perform at your best. Don't try anything new, or someone else's snacks. Your stomach knows your food best.

 

WARMUP

WEAR YOUR HOODIE AND PANTS/ TIGHTS for your warmup jog, "skippies", stretching and accelerations. Pretend you are an Olympian and not a rookie! When you get marshalled for your event, you should have time to pare down to your competition shirt/shorts. If your socks have gotten wet (from dew on the grass etc), dry socks are a pro move! (especially in spikes!)

 

THE COMPETITION

Track meets are a test of physical fitness and mental toughness - they can be hard! But, the results are always good = ways to improve for next time. If you win, that is great. If you don't win, that is also great. YOU WILL LEARN FROM BOTH EXPERIENCES. And you will make friends, since often you will compete against the same people. You can warm up together and talk strategies and then face the tests together.

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

Since the meet is a test that you learn from, you can always be a good winner or a gracious loser. Have a kind word for people who finish ahead or behind you.

Remember to ALWAYS thank the officials ( measuring long jump, recording high jump, marking shot put, timing races etc). They will do their jobs all day and will remember an athlete who has good manners. You represent your club and your coaches. Everyone is proud of an athlete who demonstrates good sportsmanship. Remember to clean up your "campsite" and take all litter with you.

 

HAVE FUN!

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