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Worth the Investment?

Running is an activity that benefits every part of a person’s body. According to therunnersguide.com, “These benefits include weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, improved bone health, improved mood and better coordination.”

While many runners use the streets of town or the country for their runs, using the track in Mountain Lake is another option. Just like the streets, the track needs a lot of upkeep for functionality and safety reasons, but, since it is used for sports, track and field meets and community use, the costly and timely upkeep are justified.

One of the main sports that uses the track is the track and field team; however, football, cross country and volleyball teams use it as well. My track team and I use the track almost every day during the spring.

Since the track is open 24/7, teens can go out on weekends or any other convenient time either to run or practice their specific events. Many times the coaches will ask the team to run a certain distance over the weekend; and since the track is marked every one hundred meters, I can be sure I am running of sprinting the right length. In addition, the volleyball team uses the track for captain’s practice to prepare for the upcoming season, and the football team uses to the track for running mileage during their season. During the cross counry season, the team holds speed and pace workouts on the track to better prepare them for their meets.

Another benefit of having a track is the ability to host three home track meets in the spring: the Anchor Advisory Invite, the Observer/Advocate Invite and the Progressive Chiropractic Invite. In order to keep teams coming to these meets, the track needs to have a clean and unbroken surface and properly-painted lines.

In previous years, the junior high conference track and field meet has been held on our home track. This year, the varsity conference meet will also be held at home, which should bring hundreds of guests to town and boost business revenue. People coming from out-of-town are more likely to stop for good or gas on the way in and/or out, and Wolverine fans may be more likely to shop for apparel to wear to such sporting events.

Although the track is primarily for high school athletes, community members can also benefit from running on the track. One benefit of the track is that it is always open to public, which means that whether a person prefers to exercise at the crack of dawn, after work or at sunset, the facility will always be available to him or her. It can be used for walking or running without the fear of motorists or bicyclists in town interrupting a workout.

Another benefit of running on the track versus the street is its cushioned surface. Though is is an expensive add-on when surfacing the track, a soft surface helps runners prevent injury brought on by running on a hard surface. Speaking from experience, I have less pains in my shins and knees when running the track versus running around town on the hard, paved roads. Those recovering from injury can also benefit from the soft running surface by allowing them to exercise with less stress on their bones and/or muscles.

From hosting track practices and meets, bringing revenue into the city and allowing the public to exercise in safety and comfort, the track is an important feature in out small town. As the track is continuously used, it becomes worn and needs repairs. This fall, the track was resurfaced and painted, thanks to generous donations from the community and school board. I urge the citizens of Mountain Lake to continue supporting the upkeep of the track to keep it in the best possible shape to promote athletes, help businesses and offer community members a safe, accessible place to work out.