For those interested in taking their talents to the collegiate level and want to understand what a day in the life looks like, you’ve come to the right place. My name is David Litvin, and I compete for Temple University’s XC/Track and Field teams. Here’s a glimpse into my daily routine:
5:45 AM: Start of the Day
My first alarm sounds, and I try to get out of bed as soon as possible. The longer I stay in bed, the harder it is to get my day going. I brush my teeth, pack my school bag, and make breakfast.
6:00 AM: Breakfast
I throw two pieces of bread in the toaster, eat a banana, and make a peanut butter sandwich. I give myself plenty of time to eat and get ready for practice.
6:30 AM: Arriving at Practice
I arrive at the facility for practice and head to the locker room to get changed.
7:00 AM: Practice Begins
Practice usually starts with a short team meeting, followed by stretching and drills. After warming up, we run anywhere between 8 and 12 miles, depending on the day.
9:00 AM: Post-Run Routine
After our recovery run or workout, we stretch and do core exercises in the locker room. This routine helps our bodies start recovering and prevents injuries. Most days, the entire team participates together.
9:45 AM: Shower and Breakfast
Following our post-run routine, I shower in the locker room and get ready for class. Depending on the day, I might stop by the athlete lounge to grab a second breakfast.
10:00 AM: Classes Begin
Class usually starts around 10:00 a.m. and goes until 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. If I’m lucky, I might have classes with a couple of teammates or other student-athletes. At Temple, our athletic department prioritizes academics and provides any necessary services to help us succeed in the classroom.
1:00 PM: Lunch Break
After class, I might have some time to grab lunch with friends before our team lifts. My go-to spot is Richie’s Cafe. He knows my order and all.
2:00 PM: Training Room
On days we lift, I make sure my body is feeling 100% by heading to the training room for an appointment with our athletic trainer. One of the best parts of being a college athlete is having access to recovery equipment like Normatec boots, hot or cold tubs, or any other recovery device you need. I usually spend 30–45 minutes in the training room daily.
3:00 PM: Shakeout Run
After my appointment with the athletic trainer, I go for a 30-minute shakeout run before lifting. I’m usually joined by 1-2 teammates who are doubling that day. We often run to the turf for a softer surface. This is a great way to warm up the body before lifting.
3:30 PM: Lifting Session
Lift begins, focusing on hip and ankle mobility with some upper body exercises incorporated. We spend an hour in the weight room, which is a great opportunity for the team to come together and improve.
4:30 PM: Post-Lift Routine
After lifting, I take another shower in the locker room before heading home for the day.
5:00 PM: Homework and Planning
When I get home, I usually knock out some homework and do some planning for the week. This is when I get the most school work done and stay ahead in the classroom.
7:00 PM: Dinner Time
By this point in the day, I’m ready for dinner and eager to start cooking. My favorite dish is chicken and pasta with marinara sauce sprinkled with parmesan cheese. It’s basic but great for workout days because my body needs protein and carbs. Usually, I’m done with all my work, so I throw on the TV and watch whatever sporting events are on.
9:00 PM: Winding Down
After dinner, I start to wind down and get ready for bed because sleep is the most important aspect of recovery.
9:30 PM: Lights Out
The lights are off, and I’m ready for another day tomorrow!
That’s a brief glimpse into what my life looks like as a D1 athlete running over 80 miles a week! For more insights and resources, visit Athletes Untapped.
