Despite the statewide cancellation of all spring sports and a government-mandated stay-at-home order, the track team continues to train in any way they can in preparation for the upcoming fall cross country season, or, for the seniors, a possible college career.

The track team is lucky in that they can run around their neighborhoods and require minimal equipment in comparison to other spring sports like boys volleyball or golf. A quick check in with several members from the varsity girls’ team revealed the various ways in which they’re trying to stay optimistic, motivated, and connected.

Freshman Ashley Kodama, having suffered a foot injury early in the season, has been trying to run every day, and encouraged teammates to “just remember that this [training] can be useful and helpful in the future,” even though running alone can seem boring.

Lack of motivation seems to be a prevalent struggle on the team, especially considering the next competitive season won’t begin until late August or early September. When asked how they stay encouraged, a handful of girls on the team gave an unanimous response: Take advantage of communication over technology. “We have had a few FaceTime calls with the team to do some workouts. And we all have been texting each other,” said Kodama. Junior Shayli Maruya said the continued contact with her teammates “keeps [her] motivated knowing everyone is trying their best to run.”

Members of team have been running on bike paths, neighborhood streets, and parks that are still open. Even though senior Lindsay Sasaki hasn’t been able to exercise as often as she wants to or where she wants to, she said, “Some workout is better than no workout! Get moving!” She suggests following along with home workout videos widely available on YouTube.

Senior Jada Inouye has managed to keep a regular training schedule and her advice to those struggling to train on their own is this: “Know that this is temporary and there is still something to look forward to. Training is still good for our health mentally and physically.”

HBA’s Track team distance coach Derek Coryell continues to encourage the team to do what they can to stay in shape, whether it be running around the neighborhoods or simply doing at home workouts. He periodically sends out invites to online strength sessions that make it easy for athletes to participate in the safety of their own homes. He also cites this Bible verse as a glimmer of hope in dark times: “Romans 5: 3-5: Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”