Column: Jack Lang restricted from running

by Patrick McDonough

Jack Lang found himself sitting on a stationary bike in the sweltering gym, pedaling away, minute after mindless minute. He stared at the white curtain which separated the storage area from the basketball court for what seemed like an eternity.

Jack would have much rather be running alongside his teammates with his coaches pushing him harder to improve and drop time while running, but he found himself sentenced to the bike during workouts and runs.

Photo: Patrick McDonough

“After running a workout the day after our race, I knew I had done something to my hip.” said Lang. “Thinking I had a serious injury really messed with me a little”

He had felt as if he was having a great season up until that point.

But now, he said, “I definitely have thought about why I wanted to be on the team when I’m injured.”

Even though still part of the team and running, Jack had doubts of why he should be a member of the track team. If he was not running, he had trouble finding motivation to be present at practice and to bike. However, still felt a sense of camaraderie with his teammates.

“The team is very like close together, everyone’s checking in make sure everyone’s alright. I think it brought me a little bit closer to put the team.

Jack is driven to do better and best himself in every performance he does. He wanted to give whatever it took to see a faster time on the time sheets.

But, he said “I do regret not listening to my body.”