For her first three seasons of high school, Clay Center cross
country runner Lauren Smith pushed herself as hard as
she could.
Now dealing with an injury during her senior season, Smith is
taking a different approach.
“I want to improve on listening to my body and learning to
advocate for myself when things have become too much,” Smith
said. “This summer I put too much on my plate which is why I am
taking a step back now. If I could have gone back and told myself
anything I would have told myself it is okay to take a break.
Sometimes distance runners conform to a toxic mentality that
more is better when taking that two-week break will benefit you
more in the future.”
Last season, Clay Center took third at the state tournament
and that was without one its top runners. With such a loaded
team this season, Smith thinks this is the year the Tigers
break through.
“I am most excited about watching my team flourish this
season,” Smith said. “We have had all the assets as a team to be
great, but this year it feels like we are finally putting the pieces
together. I have been struggling with an injury and hope to be
back to help contribute to the championship season, but even
sitting on the sidelines watching my teammates excites me for
what is to come”
