By Olivia Lantz, Dartmouth Women's Cross Country/Track & Field, Class of 2019
The Ivy League Heptagonal Cross Country Championships is an event like none other than I have been to. The intensity and excitement that everyone brings is contagious and creates an energy that makes you want to succeed and push yourself to the absolute limit. Knowing other members of the Ivy League makes it fun when all the schools come together; yes they are your competition but over or time you get to know one another and they become your friends.
My favorite memory of Ivy Heps cross country is from my Sophomore year when my teammate
Helen Schlachtenhaufen was able to place second-team All-Ivy. This was a very special accomplishment and it was great to see her achieve her goals in her last Ivy Heps as a senior.
In order to prepare for Ivy Heps cross country, I make sure to prioritize my school work the week before the competition in attempt to get ahead. Closer to the competition, I place a large emphasis on sleeping and making sure I am taking care of my body. There is always an art to balancing academics and athletics but with planning and thought, we are able to get it done.
Before a competition I make sure that I have a concrete idea of how I am going to approach a race. In order to do this, I talk to my coach individually and my teammates. This helps me to visualize what I am trying to execute on race day and to become more mentally prepared. Before a race, I love to listen to music and lay down in the tent. This relaxes me but pumps me up all at the same time. On the start line right before the race, I double check my laces to make sure they are double knotted – I don’t want them to come untied!
Competing against other Ivies is different from competing against other schools in the sense that the Ivy League shares a special bond. There is something about knowing how much time we dedicate to our academics while also prioritizing athletics. This similar lifestyle we all share is unique and challenging, which makes us closer and appreciative of our competitors’ athletic and academic achievements.
I chose the Ivy League because in addition to athletics, I knew that academics were going to be a top priority. This is extremely important to me and I wanted to make sure I was a part of a community where my values aligned with the life style. Overall, I would say my favorite part of being a student-athlete in the Ivy League is the constant intensity. Everyone is so passionate about their studies and their sport. This atmosphere makes me excited to go to class and practice every day.
Olivia Lantz is a junior on the Dartmouth women's cross country and track & field teams. The
2017 Ivy League Heptagonal Cross Country Championships take place Friday, Oct. 27, at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, N.Y.
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