Greetings Youth Track Fans!
We arrived home yesterday at 12:45 PST. From the time we left Detroit (1am) by car,took a plane from Chicago,stop over in San Francisco and finally touched down in L.A. ,it was almost 14 hours in total….We are glad to be home and back to “Normal”. What is Normal Anyway? We normally go to practice 2-3 times /week ,we normally go to track meets almost every week in season,we normally,check stats and progress of our athletes and others sometime daily. Is any if this normal? Well for a track parent it is completely normal but for the rest of the world that watches, it will never be anything close..
That just fine with me. My friends just call me and Henry “TRACK PEOPLE” ie. abnormal to them I am sure. Well we will get out of “our normal” for a few months and prepare for “Normal” come January- February.
That is a lot reading ,going to clinics,talking to coaches,working on my book, talking more track and then some more. And talking about track all off season on TrackMom waiting to talk track in season : -) I guess this is our “Normal” For me “Normal” is now I can train a little bit and maybe even learn how to throw the Javelin this coming season…Time will tell.
For all of you track parents out there ,good job you made it through and next year you will do it again..
As The Track World Turns
As TrackMom gets in the groove again I have lots to post in pictures and words from the Championship Season of our amazing athletes. Please, I want to include your youth athlete and all their accomplishments this season on and off the track..Send me their track and personal bio’s and picture to Trackmom1@gmail.com
Just a little heads up don’t miss a day. Of course with highlights there has to be some low lights as well. 
Poor Sportsmanship
I witnessed first hand at AAU the worst sportsmanship from a parent, I have ever seen. Yes once again I have to report that there was a parent taunting a child and I saw others(from a different unidentified state(s)) fighting yes fighting…More to come I will give you a little hint where the worst behavior was witnessed “MIAMI” The vast majority of parents from everywhere were great ,lets not get this confused ,but the one I witness should have been escorted out of the stadium. His child athlete even looked embarrased.
Until Next Time
Hi Rain,
Congrats to Lauren as she is truly one of the absolute best youth runners we will see. As to the poor Sportsmanship (even though I wasnt in Detroit) I can very well guess what parent/ athlete this was as it happened at the State Regional Meet as well, I could be wrong but the athlete was probably a small little thing “girl” did long jump, 200 meter dash and 400 meter dash. Wore a Red and Yellow uniform. If im wrong great but if not he is absoulutely to harsh on this kid.
Hi Nikki,
Sorry I didn’t get to see you At AAU this year. Congrats on your daughters long jump medal.As you know Lauren got a 7th place. She is so excited to train more next year and move up on the podium.I just didn’t realize she liked LJ so much since she never jumps during the season. Next year ; )
As for the parent from Miami ,I will talk about in detail this week.It was a boy athlete. But my point is we see to much of this behavior and WE all see it. It really puts a damper on the event.
Any way..another medal for your daughter and another year to reflect on and plan for greater achievments for all of us. Florida is a great track state.Good Job!!
I am sad to hear the worst behavior came from Miami. One thing you don’t do is taunt a child (specially if you are an adult). That is not the example to set. And as a parent/coach should be disciplining your child/athlete that does it to another athlete. I hope they weren’t from our time
I doubt it though.
Lorraine, you, Lauren and Henry are the model track family, setting a very good example for other parents and youth athletes to follow. We admire your dedication to Lauren’s needs and respect your love of the sport. Above all, you guys are having family fun, and that’s what matters most. We hope you cherish your experiences in Omaha and Detroit, even the uncomfortable ones! One day you’ll look back and laugh.
Let’s hear it for Trackmom, a great site for parents and kids!
Hello Powell Family!
Thanks for stopping by. Your comments are way to kind.But thank-you all the same. For our brief ,yet meaningful encounter with you Terri and Victoria you are a model family. Balanced humble beyond words and a whole lot of fun to be around.Good thing…
Looks like Lauren and Victoria will be doing this track thing at least another year.So I guess we are real track family memebers now ; – ) I hope that we can grow and possibly help other parents traverse the unknow waters of track and field and the developing athlete elite and otherwise. It truly is a journey and you both helped us get perspective on Omaha and prepare for Detroit. We are already laughing at ourselves from both Championships and look forward to taking her to another hopefully God willing Next season and perhaps many more to come.
Some of Lesson Learned:
1. Start all over once you get to Championships. Before only means something if you perform like before ; )
2. Every year on it’s own merit
3. Have fun in the midst of the events and possible disapointment
4. The Sun comes out again very quickly
5. We will remember a less that stellar performance .no one else will
6. In the big picture this Championship week will mean not to much.
7. Have Fun ,Have Fun ,Have Fun
8, Talking to friends helps over come questions and even a little confusion
Yes we did have family fun and I am very grateful to have a family to share moments on and off the track with.
Talk to you soon.Enjoy the off season