So, a glorious thing happened one day last winter (pre-MT). For the short version- It was epic!! If you’d like the more complete, long version- keep reading.
It was a typical after-school winter training run a day or two after a snowfall last off-season. Boyle, Seiler, and I headed out our run with no particular destination or direction. We ended up at Villa’s track, one of our favorite places. After a few laps around the partially snow covered track, we had an idea. We saw all the fresh snow in the middle of the field and thought it would be sweet to run on it. Snow Strides. It was as cool as it sounds. We liked it so much that we decided to race the length of the field in the snow.
At this point we came up with what Zach describes as the “best idea we ever had.” We’re not sure which one of us it was so we share the credit. It went like this. Why run straight races when we could run turns. Why run the boring normal track that we always do when we can do whatever we want. Why don’t we just run in a figure like the hot wheels track.
That’s exactly what we did. We spent a few minutes stomping out a figure 8 track in the snow in the middle of Villa’s field. Next we proceeded to race and it was awesome! Fast and Furious. Instead of racing next to your opponent you could watch them take their turns as you take yours. At the half way point there is a chance for a nasty collision as both come flying through the middle. At the end you are charging to the finish while staring directly at your counterpart who is doing the same. Now that’s some quality fun.
It was believed that figure 8 track was a legend and would never return. But it made its way to DeSmet as the offseason was winding down and runners were battling the Snowpocalypse. When co-creator Zach heard the news he commented: “Glad to know someone is keeping the dream alive.” The track lasted an unprecedented 4 days at DeSmet.
I made an effort to get on it every day—from the races, to a morning jog, to an extension to a run. The biggest day was Thursday when we told people to meet out there for FET races. It was definitely different from last year, but in a much improved way. We had teams and did all sorts of fun races. Among other races, there was the exciting half relay where each member of the 4-man team ran half a loop. There was also the surprisingly challenging one loop skipping race. For the toughest of us, there was a 3k race which was 15 loops (we got the wheel out and measured the course; it was 304m course with semi-identical halves). The event was an absolute blast for those who braved the cold to participate in it.
The picture at the top is of the FET at DeSmet taken from Mr. Bender’s room. The track is sorta tough to see but it is there. From a distance it wasn’t as clear as when you were on it. But that didn’t stop teachers at DeSmet from taking notice. It was the talk of the town for a couple days in the science wing.
The creators of the FET will all be gone next year so it will be up to others to keep the tradition and dream alive. Remember all it takes is a runner’s mindset, some creativity, and an open field. Running is what you make. And we do our best to make it awesome.
