HS Bloggers: Aleta Looker Ellsworth HS #11

Follow senior Aleta Looker of Ellsworth during her senior outdoor track season. 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. Indoor she ran the fastest 800m in Maine HS history 2:11.58

 

 

Happy last day of April, everyone!


With one meet underway, I'm wavering between eagerness and reluctance to see what the rest of my final high school season will bring. Anticipating the excitement of States is bittersweet; with a twinge of nostalgia from memories of meets gone by. Facing the inevitable strife that all Seniors face - the idea that soon we'll be physically detached from the familiar happenings of teams we once knew - enjoying the team atmosphere is more important to me now than ever. And this season opener was a perfect exhibition!


    It's heartwarming to see how we supported each other in our various events. We even attempted the "wave" for the Boys 4x4!.. we'll work on it :) On a more impressive note, we went out for ice cream after wards and powered through amounts ranging from 4 to 38 scoops!!! I'm proud to say that no matter the challenge, I'm confident that this year's Ellsworth Outdoor Track team will persevere together!  


    Although enduring the myriad of workouts preceding the meet was a bit of a battle, I have to say this past meet was a celebration of raw exertion from everyone on the team. Vacation practices are hard. A personal thanks to my thoughtful twin Robert, the cool-down champion Tim, the ladies with the courage(;, John Bapst & UMaine track team grad. Coach Westphal, the ultimate photographer Mimi and the relentlessly stylish Stacey Connor, the master Louie Luchini (during his own ridiculously fast workout), my encouraging mentors and exceptional Coaches, and the rest of my awesome trackies for helping me through this last week's grind. Even the cheering today at practice made every step of the workout easier - I still can't stop smiling!
 I LOVE you guys!!


    My advice to everyone, not just the Seniors, is to never wish the time away (no matter how much you might want to before a difficult interval). Take everyday and every practice with a positive outlook. Enjoy the company of others who are aspiring similar running, throwing, vaulting, jumping, race-walking, and hurdling feats! One of my personal goals off of my "Daily Running Success" sticky-note is to simply enjoy the process. This means: loving every moment of my last season, trusting in my Coaches' greatness, and doubting defeat! Recently in Mythology class we've studied the idea of heroes and realized that you really are the "hero" of your own life. Your destiny is your own! And even the best hero, can fail. We all face mortality; an intangible unknown. I've always liked the saying: "Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn". Approach every day with the mindset ready to succeed! Cherish every moment. Focus on doing what is right for you and your team rather than worrying about what could be wrong; focus on doing your job. There lives in each of us a hero awaiting the call to action!


    Best of luck to everyone competing in the upcoming weekend! And a special shout out to Andrew Beardsley and Matt Homich for crushing the Boston Marathon!!!

~Aleta