What I Miss Most: Taking Things for Granted
Cross Country runner reflects on overlooked joys
Maximilliano Martinez
In their own words, Colorado State student-athletes share what they miss as the coronavirus pandemic has put life on hold globally
What I miss the most is the structure of life. How everything seemed to flow so normally, with purpose.
Now the only greater purpose is to self-distance from the world to help others. I miss the casual bike ride to class to see my classmates and favorite professors. I miss seeing people cheerfully talking and commuting on campus. I miss seeing the joyful faces and carefree smiles of my teammates. I miss thinking the only worry I had was what activities I’ll be doing over the weekend.
Throughout this pandemic, I’ve had time to self-reflect on who I am as a student-athlete. I’ve reflected on things I miss and what made me happy. Reflecting on things I took for granted and now have a greater appreciation for.
As a student-athlete, it is already hard as it is to get more involved with internships during the school year or getting involved in labs with professors. This semester I had the opportunity to finally branch out and get more involved academically and create meaningful connections. It’s disappointing that this opportunity was cut short from me and many others like me. This situation not only has made it harder to further my athletics, but my professional career as well. I miss the ability to have this opportunity. Adjusting to classes being online for the entirety of the semester has been different. Going from a classroom to my living room has been quite a change for a learning environment. What is even more frustrating is downloading multiple software’s that each professor is using and trying to complete assignments and lectures effectively.
The ability to do the easiest things, such as going to practice for your sport has become a challenging barrier more than a stress relief and a get away from reality. I miss knowing what the future somewhat held and events coming up. With this pandemic, the future is so uncertain in so many aspects it’s hard to focus on things in the present. As training drastically changes like the Colorado weather, so does my mood and ability to not worry and stay flexible during this trying time.
I’m currently recovering from an injury and wouldn’t be participating in outdoor track this spring. As this was already a concrete decision I had to accept, what was blindsiding was the resources needed to nurse my body back to health were stripped away from me because of this pandemic. I miss being able to go into the training room and work on my body with the help of an amazing training staff. A necessity that now is no more than a wanting dream. It has left me scrambling to find cost-effective ways to cross train my body and get treatment for myself. College athletic eligibility isn’t limitless. So, the desire to make sure every day isn’t wasted to strengthen my body and recover from injury has been daunting. Questions arise mentally if you are doing too little or too much. A constant mental battle to get fit but stay healthy. I think that’s why I miss the constant reassurance and support of my athletic trainers. For many athletes like me, they are the backbone that keeps us sane and pushes us to progress smartly and with the most successes. I miss their words of wisdom and the ability to just laugh and talk to them. They take your mind off athletic worries and access what’s best for you as a person.
I miss seeing the joyful faces and carefree smiles of my teammates. I miss thinking the only worry I had was what activities I’ll be doing over the weekend.
Looking at things positively, this time allows me to fully recover without the fear of rushing back to perform. As this might be a positive for me to a certain extent, I understand this is devastating news to my fellow teammates. And for that I’m sorry. If one thing is certain in this uncertain situation, is that every athlete misses the opportunity to compete and push their body to their limits. Missing the excitement and thrill before competition. Missing the loud cheers from fans and teammates. Missing the feeling of accomplishment when knowing your hard work eight months prior was worth that personal best mark or conference finish.
Although I miss many things, this situation has taught me life will never go as planned and to be grateful for the small things. Stay motivated and true to yourself; train the brain and body!