Caitlin O’hare runs Division 1 cross country and tracks for the University of Richmond. Competing in long distance events, which include a 6k in cross country and a 5k on the track.
How do you prevent any injuries or treat any injuries while running?
I prevent injuries by receiving enough sleep each night and stretching before and after my runs. During my track and cross country seasons, I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night. I have learned that if I don’t get enough sleep the night before a race, my body cannot adequately perform. I also find that trying to set a specific sleep schedule helps my body feel well rested.Stretching is also an important way to prevent injuries. As a runner, I put a lot of stress on my body so it’s important to stretch, so I am not tight. I also use a foam roller to help get a better stretch in.
A day in the life during COVID 19 as a D1 runner?
My college coach sent my teammates and I a training schedule to help us stay on top of our running during the coronavirus. So, each day I adhere to whatever my coach recommends I run that week. On a typical day, I try to wake up early to get my run in around 8 or 9 o’clock. I usually drive to a nearby park. Most days during the coronavirus I run 4 to 5 miles. After my run, I usually get coffee and breakfast. It is vital for me during the day, to stretch drink lots of water and eat to replenish my body.
I have been using an online wellness app called “Mellissa Wood Health” to help me with core and bodyweight strength training workouts. Some days I will finish my training day with a light evening run of 1 to 2 miles.
How do you balance your busy schedule with school, with your track career?
Balancing between my school work, track training and social life in college is especially difficult, but I have found that the most important thing to minimize my stress is time management. Two essential steps help me prepare for my busy week!
1.Prioritize all of my responsibilities.
2.Write things down on a planner, to understand what my week ahead looks like in terms of my track schedule and school work. I have learned that this preparation helps me get some tasks done ahead of time
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