Sarah Day - Hard Work Pays Off

One word to describe my summer?

Accomplished.

Coming off a successful track season, I learned a valuable lesson - "hard work pays off". Going into the season with absolutely no expectations and finishing off with results greater than I ever thought possible made me realize that with dedication and perseverance, anyone has the ability to attain their goals.

Having to overcome many obstacles throughout my running career, it is evident that no one understands the word "sacrifice" more than a truly devoted runner. Waking up before the crack of dawn over summer break when all of your non-runner friends are fast asleep is most certainly not the easiest thing in the world, but having a great group of motivated runners, all out there doing the same thing as you makes the task possible.

This summer my goal was to log about 60-70 miles per week, for a total of 800 miles. I stuck to a consistent training plan of two high weeks and one low week with two workouts, four easy recovery days and a long run.

As a runner, I understand that injuries as well as aches and pains go with the territory of the sport so I have learned the importance of core work, strength training and proper nutrition.

I was blessed with the privilege to train with a local high school team, Holy Trinity, who has earned 15 well deserved state titles.

Just being surrounded by such hard working athletes creates a positive atmosphere and makes training hard seem nowhere near to being a chore, but simply a part of the journey to victory. Not to mention how much Coach Butler’s words of advice and wisdom gave me the confidence to rise to the challenges.

I had the opportunity of training with exceptional runners, such as Julie Wollrath. We would all push each other to test our limits out at practice but afterwards we came to be nothing more than a great group of friends, all conveniently striving toward the same goal.

We would weightlift and double together two to three times a week, and it became routine to go to breakfast after long runs; as a way of celebrating the survival of another week of quality training.

We even travelled up to North Carolina for a week of bonding and running at Warrior Camp at Young Harris College. It was nice to get off the roads and away from our usual training site and our home away from home, Wickham Park and onto some scenic trails through the unfamiliar hills of North Carolina.

Senior year: the year of great change; but, in my opinion, change is a good thing.

I am thankful to say that we have obtained three new knowledge coaches at my school who have kicked off the season on a good note. We started morning practices and fortunately have had a surprisingly good turnout. Even though our program is still in the rebuilding process, we have several motivated athletes who are willing to do whatever it takes to reach the top.

Similarly, the ultimate goals of our boys’ and girls’ teams are to qualify for State. I believe that no matter who you are or where you come from with the thirst for success anything is possible.

The memories made this summer will not be forgotten as I am happy to say this has been the most productive one yet. I feel stronger and more prepared than ever before and I cannot wait to see how the entire running community, as well as myself, execute their summer worth of great effort into this season’s races.

Looking forward to kicking off the season with next weekend’s Wickham Park Jamboree! 

Sarah Day Interview - Champions Are Made in the Off-Season

PR's

800 2:32.73

1600 5:09.06

3200 10:53.89

5K  18:01.73