With new found restrictions caused by the growing COVID-19 virus pandemic, athletes are finding ways to train at home despite the lack of access to school or public athletic facilities.
Senior track & field athlete Maria Deaviz said that one of the biggest struggles regarding the season cancellation is the self-discipline necessary to do at home training without coaches or peers for encouragement.
“I have an option of sitting on the coach and watching netflix or going downstairs and lifting weights all day,” Deaviz said.
Senior football and track & field athlete Deandre Wakefield said that he has pushed himself to train more while at home.
“I’ve been in the house grinding more and working out two to three times a day instead of one,” Wakefield said.
Senior lacrosse athlete Liam Hannon said that athletes should make better use of the extra time they have available to get workouts in.
“It is nice to have much more free time to take things up a notch,” Hannon said. “[Workouts like] late morning lifts and then night runs. Everyone’s schedule is a lot more free and they aren’t taking advantage of these times in a positive way.”
For athletes who are committed to compete at the collegiate level following high school, training during these difficult times are important to continue progression and to maintain good fitness.
Wakefield, who committed to play football at Lock Haven University, said that at home training stops him from “losing it all” before his first collegiate season.
Deaviz, who is committed to throw shot put at The University of Virginia, shares the feeling that lack of training could be potentially detrimental.
“I will be continuing my track & field and throwing career at The University of Virginia and I’ve put so much work into track & field that if I stopped now, all that work would be wasted,” Deaviz said.
According to Wakefield, it is important that other athletes continue to remain dedicated to their goals even with limited access to facilities.
“Stay focused, determined, and don’t listen to the outside noise. Once you have that goal in your head, keep pushing for it and don’t give up,” Wakefield said.
Hannon said that it’s important for people to do things they enjoy in order to relax during this time.
“Go for walks, read a book, watch a good show. Take time for yourself to relax and wake up everyday and treat it like it’s your last,” Hannon said.