Track athletes said they use Boulder weather to their advantage
Blustery winds, freezing temperatures and snow packed roads are all harsh winter conditions inherent to the Boulder area.
Despite these apparent setbacks, track athletes at CU have developed a routine that allows them to train effectively during the winter months.
Each athlete’s training regimen is different. However, there are general guidelines that Buff athletes adhere to during the winter months to stay healthy and competitive.
Senior middle distance runner Robert Thayer said he likes to wear extra layers in the winter months to help prevent injury.
“(You should) put on more clothes than you think you need,” Thayer said. “To keep your joints and muscles warm.”
This precaution allows athletes like Thayer to avoid common injuries like muscle strains that can occur more easily on cold days when the muscles are naturally tighter.
In addition to keeping muscles and joints loose, junior sprinter Veronica Maul said flexibility also plays an important role in avoiding injury.
“Maintaining a good level of flexibility is a huge lifesaver,” Maul said.
Some athletes also make adjustments to their warm up routines to accommodate the cooler climate.
Maul said she has to spend more time warming up when training in cold weather.
“I (stretch) for almost twice as long in cold weather,” Maul said. “Warm weather is such an assistance when it comes to feeling warmed up.”
Junior middle distance runner Sara Vaughn also alters her warm up routine for a fast track workout in cold weather.
“I may do lunges and extra exercises indoors, then head out the door and run a few miles before starting my workout,” Vaughn said.
With all these steps taken to adequately handle the cold weather, it may appear as though athletes in cold climates like Boulder are at a disadvantage compared to athletes training in warmer temperatures.
However, Thayer, Maul and Vaughn all said they feel that training in Boulder gives them advantages other teams do not have.
“A harsher climate makes you tough,” Thayer said.
Maul added that cold weather teaches skills that not all athletes have access to.
“We know how it feels to run in the snow and how to deal with it and keep working hard,” Maul said. “I’ve met people who come to our meets from places like California and can’t handle the weather.”
Vaughn said she doesn’t think the winters are that bad.
“We get to live and train at altitude all year,” Vaughn said.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Rachael Fischer at
rachael.fischer@colorado.edu.
