A track is just a track right? You run in circles around it, maybe do some different workouts, walk laps, then go home. But when you compare the track at the Lakeshore Recreation Department with the Carrollton High School track, you start to notice that they give off two completely different vibes. At lakeshore the track is uneven and the infield’s grass is full of dead patches but not in a poor way. It’s in a humble and homely way. The Carrollton track is fairly new and it feels like it’s showing off. It’s proud and wants you to know that this is where big things happen. Even though both are made for running and exercise, they seem to have very different ideas about what running is supposed to be. 

As a runner myself, I’ve always felt less pressure when practicing at the Lakeshore track. It’s part of a bigger recreation area, so there’s people walking, exercising, hanging out,  playing pickleball, and using the GreenBelt close by. There are also benches, picnic tables, and a playground. Because of this, running there doesn’t necessarily feel like a competition. You can go at your own pace without feeling like everyone is watching your time. The Carrollton High School track is a different story. I run here almost every day and even when it’s not a race, I still feel the pre-race nerves.  Once you walk into the stadium, it feels much more like an actual athletic facility. There are stands for spectators, lanes made for racing, and the track is used for organized meets. Carrollton hosts major high school track competitions like the GHSA State for track and field. The way it’s set up makes you feel like you’re there to give it all you’ve got.

And honestly, the way people use the two tracks shows this difference. At Lakeshore, you might see someone jogging because they want to get some exercise, someone walking a few laps, or people using the area as part of their normal day. At the high school, the mindset flips to, “How fast can I run this? Can I beat my time? Can I beat the person next to me?” The space almost pushes you toward thinking more like you’re there to compete.

Even the surroundings can change how you feel. Lakeshore connects running with being outside and enjoying the community. The high school track connects running with school, teams, competition, and personal records. 

So, what’s the big deal? Both tracks encourage people to move, but they encourage completely different reasons for doing it. If Lakeshore could talk, I feel like it would say, “ars.  Focus. Work hard. Get better. Run faster.” Same oval. Same sport. Completely different messages. And that’s the best part. The track isn’t just telling you where to run, it’s telling you what kind of runner you’re supposed to be.