As I began the second lap of the first cross country race of the season, I quickly knew something was not right in my legs. After the race, I contemplated what could have triggered this unusual pain. We stretched for over an hour prior to the race. I was simply over stretched.

The different ways an athlete can be “over stretched” is virtually endless. The most common and obvious way athletes can figuratively and literally feel over stretched is the fatigue they feel after months and months of daily practices and workouts.

Athletes push their bodies more and more every day trying to make the cut for the sacred varsity squad. The “daily grind” that most athletes endure tends to wear down the body, especially those athletes who have been participating in sports since junior high.

Continuous months of workouts not only wears down the body, but it also makes the mind and heart feel overstretched. Having these two vital muscles feel over used is probably one of the toughest obstacles an athlete can face.

It’s nearly impossible to push yourself and get motivated to compete at your peak when you no longer have your spark. By senior year, many athletes find themselves feeling burned out or exhausted of the routine of practices.

Most athletes can agree that the best athletes are not just physically strong. Competing and pushing yourself to perform at your best is also a mental and psychological game.

The human body is one amazing muscle that can also be over stretched by things in life, besides sports. Everyday life and stress can begin to bring people down after continuous strain or abuse.