The Bay Area Track Club held its annual clinic at the Campolindo track on February 15, from 1:00-3:45 p.m.
According to club co-founder, co-coach, and 2008 Olympic athlete Magdalena Boulet, the Bay Area Track Club is “a group of emerging, elite athletes” whose mission is to “train athletes to the highest level and share [their] knowledge and passion for [their] sport as well as inspire runners of any level to lead a healthy lifestyle.”
Boulet said the purpose for holding the clinic was to share “knowledge and skills” with Bay Area Youth.
“They approached us several years ago about providing a clinic for the Lamorinda community,” Campolindo track and field coach Chuck Woolridge said.
The clinic started with a series of 20 minute “mini-sessions”. Athletes chose to attend one out of 3 classes for each “period.” The 1st period’s classes were Nutrition for Runners, Overcoming Injury, and Negotiating the College Process. The 2nd period’s classes were a Shoe Talk, Running for Women, and Psych 101.
“I found it interesting that Olympians and really experienced athletes were able to come and talk to us about nutrition and psychology,” freshman attendee Ana Bernardo said.
At 2 p.m. athletes went to various hands-on stations such as for hurdle mobility, speed development, muscle activation, and core strength.
Freshman attendee Jared Yabu said, “We were mostly taught and didn’t have to do the strenuous workouts. It was more a learning experience for younger athletes and we learned we have a bright future ahead of us.”
The clinic was open to the public. In addition to Campolindo track and field athletes, athletes from St. Mary’s High School and teacher Tom Duffy’s daughter attended the clinic, among others.
