Follow senior Aleta Looker of Ellsworth during her senior indoor track season. Looker is the defending 800m Class B champion, and was All-NE last year in the 1000 meters. She is known for her 800m prowess on the track where she's run the #2 outdoor 800m in Maine history, 2:14.30, she also has the fastest ever 1000m time in Maine history
Hey trackies,
Wow! It's been a while.. The past month has been a whirlwind; the best way to finish my favorite season of the athletic year. In the midst of training and competing at Eastern Maines, Class B States, the USATF State Championship, New Englands, and finally New Balance Nationals, my body resisted sugar and sickness. Now, sitting between a box of tissues and a slice of homemade celebratory cheesecake; I've conformed to what is loosely known as "rest week." Time off has always been a personal time reserved for self reflection - crucial for growth. Looking back on Indoor this year I can honestly say I've enjoyed myself through running more than ever. Some of my amusement was earned by crushing workouts like 4 x 5 200s with 30 seconds between 2s and 3 minutes between sets The rest was in sharing the unbelievable experience. At the most competitive meets I was forced to get back to the basics. More importantly, I was fueled by the naturally supportive atmosphere at the core of any Maine Indoor Track meet that I fell in love with the first time I stepped into the field house at UMaine. I realized I will miss the special feeling that comes with toeing the line beside some of the strongest and friendliest athletes I'll ever meet, while passionate spectators, coaches, family, and friends cheer every step of the way, more than anything. Thank you everyone! Previously ingrained lessons were also reinforced; the importance of hydration, resting minor injuries, being aggressive and running through the line, never holding back a kick, and believing in yourself. (Yes, I sought the meaning of this old cliché too). I dreamed of making the fast heat at Nationals. And even though I was totally psyched out of my mind on the line - I learned how it's all about giving yourself a chance. My advice to everyone is to refuse to fall victim to your own or others' self-defeating thoughts. Get after it! For as long as I can remember I've never been thrilled about endings (except maybe the end of the 2mile). However, "the end" always brings the chance for a brand new beginning! For Maine trackletes this means dusting off the discus and (eventually..) breaking out the short shorts for Outdoor track!!! For seniors, this is it. Enjoy yourselves more than ever this upcoming season and let's set some records out of sight!
~Aleta Looker
