Follow Greely senior Matt Woolverton this winter as he talks about his struggles with injuries, and his battle to overcome them for one healthy season
So Coach Folan (Greely’s Track Coach) recently gave me grief for my persistence with writing about a similar theme in each of my posts. Honestly, I wanted to find a way to not talk about injuries or overcoming anything but I did actually find it fairly difficult goal. I’m going to do my best in the post not to talk about injuries as much but I highly doubt I’m able to do that.
So for all of us seniors this will be our final seasons of track, some may run in college others may not. I’m in the middle of a strange crossroads between what I want in college. I’ve been presented opportunities to run in college by a couple different coaches who have somehow heard of me. So I don’t know if I want to keep running in college. I’m looking forward to making my choice.
So the indoor track season is finally upon us. I was talking with Gavin Poprechney a freshman for the Greely team this year about how I’ve been running for my entire high school career. It just dawned on me that I’ve completed my tenth season of running for Greely and going into my eleventh season. I highly doubt that this is actually as cool as I think it is but I’m excited to be able to say that. I am officially the most veteran male runner on any Greely running team there is from now until my graduation. No other male has the amount of seasons that I do. I’m beyond psyched to be able to say that.
It also is fairly sad for me though. My being the sole most veteran member means that a close friend of mine, Troy Cochran has left the sport of track and field. The two of us had originally planned to go with Emma Mason and be the three runners who completed the full eligible twelve seasons of running. It will be strange not having him on the team but I’m sure we will manage without him.
Alright so I know I said I wouldn’t talk about it but I think it is important since my blog is meant for injuries and recovering. I recently found out I need to watch out for this muscle around my thigh. I haven’t done the full research on it yet but it was something I’ve never experienced before so even now I’m reaching new firsts with injuries. Brought back some memories finally learning about a new potential
injury. However, it’s not serious so I’m not worried. I’m still able to run through it without causing too much pain just a little discomfort.
I am still overly nervous about the hamstring though. The other day I had to hold off of a workout because I was struggling to get through the sprint drills without feeling overly tight. It actually sucks. I was planning on running during the week off and having an extra edge on the team but due to the pain I decided I have to hold off. My goal for an injury/pain free indoor season has already ended and I haven’t even ran a race. It’s frustrating but I’m used to it. I just need to learn how to work through it more than usual. I want to let it rest and still be able to compete/practice with the team.
22 Days until my first race. Not sure if you all have different race days but I’m counting down the days until I can get back into the starting blocks.
No Regrets,
-Matt Woolverton