zazblog

Let's face it, the track workout is part training, part hazing.
Of course, ultimate demands sprinting, recovery, and more
sprinting over the course of many hours. We need to shorten
recovery times and quicken our pace, and the track workout helps.
However, the hazing aspect, which is often painfully similar
to the old college rituals of punish the newbie to
the point of disgorgement, serves its purposes.

1. The victim, er... athlete, demonstrates a commitment
to the social unit.
2. The victim earns the respect of other members
who have done (and are doing) similarly.
3. The victim builds toughness by learning to power
through those painful times -- necessary in later
life, er... sport.

Don't get me wrong. I'm no fan of mindnumbing frathouse
social conformity. However, the track is a way of accomplishing
1, 2, 3 in a HEALTHY way which will only benefit the participant.
When you get to the big tournament having survived the
shipwreck of the Repeat 400's with teammate Bozo, you
and Bozo share a trust and a bond which strengthens your
team. You know his heart is big, just like his size 23 shoes.