Junior Sakina Garba has novel ways to tackle the physically and mentally challenging sport of track. Although track is nothing you can just hop into, it is possible to get better at it with the different focusing and conditioning skills. Track is a different type of sport because you are not running for points or to get a specific ball. In contrast, you’re running for speed, height and consistency.

Garba has been running track on and off for six years, but consistently since ninth grade. “It doesn’t get easier unless you condition,” she said.

The rigorous intensity that the sport requires, she said, is something that never goes away but with conditioning and consistent running her stamina increases. For the Running Warriors, she mainly runs the 400-hundred meter run, but will shift to a different placement depending on where her coach needs her. She’s ready to do anything and keeps a focused mentality before each event in her meet. “I just ignore all outside distractions and think positive to prepare mentally for track,” she said.

Conditioning remains the main way to prepare physically for track. She explained you are always working harder during meets than practice so over pushing yourself is really important. “Consistent running and leg exercising always helps,” she said.

The Warrior track team practices four times a week and just started its season in February. The team encountered difficulties finding a coach during the offseason. There were challenges because one coach was not APS coaching certified. After another coach didn’t work out, track athletes were left to wonder where their managerial direction would come from. The team has kept its focus and worked in the weight room during the off-season. “We knew it was going to be a fight to get the season started so once we got stable we got prepared,” she said.

Mandatory practices and conditioning were the key to success and a path to improvement.

Although Garba sometimes needs breaks to explore her other interests, track is something she has always enjoyed doing and she remains conditioned all year round. “Track not only keeps me physically prepared but mentally ready to face all challenges in my life,” stated Garba.