For Altus sophomore Savannah Clothier, running track not only keeps her physically healthy but it also helps her stay mentally healthy.
“I suffer from some anxiety, so it helps me to learn to push through the mental challenges,” she says. “I just try to tell myself the finish is close, and I can push through. I try to remember that I’m running for myself, trying to win, and trying to do good. Running calms me. Once I get into the race, I know I’m good.”
Clothier credits her coach, Robert Garrison, with helping her remember key things to manage any nerves she might feel on the track.
“Coach Garrison is telling me to trust in my training,” she says. “When I’m having a mental block, he reminds me of all the training I’ve done and that I can push through. We talk about trusting the work I put in and that it will show on the track.”
Clothier is hoping the work she’s put in, and continues to put in, will allow her to compete with the best in the state.
“I definitely want both of my relays [4×800 and 4×400] to go to state,” she admits. “We went to state last year in the 4×400. We have a new girl on our relay this year so it’s a bit different, but we have a good chance to compete in that race this year. Individually, I want to get to state in the open 800. I want to compete in that and want to finish in the top 10, at least.”
Clothier is also a right fielder for the Lady Bulldog softball team, something she says also helps with the mental aspect of running track.
“These sports require an equal amount of mental toughness,” she says. “Both sports teach you to keep going. I know in both track and softball I’ll have another at-bat or another race. They don’t allow you to give up and they make you keep going.”
Beyond athletics, Savannah is a member of the Altus varsity chorale and a member of National Honor Society. Although she’s just a sophomore, Clothier is thinking about life after high school.
“I plan on becoming a physical therapist,” she says. “Running track (in college) is on my mind. I’ve got a ways to go, but that’s something I am thinking about.”
