Another in a series, we check in with Brandeis student-athletes about how they've handled the unique situations presented by the spring and summer of 2020.

Harper Pollio-Barbee '22 and Andrea Bolduc '21 represent the distance squads for men's and women's track and cross country. 

How did your classes go last semester? Did you do well with virtual learning? 

Harper: Honestly, classes went surprisingly well! I didn't necessarily feel like I was learning as much once I went home, but I managed to get through it.

Andrea: My classes went well last semester, all things considered. I think that I laid a strong foundation at the start of the semester, which helped me finish strong after we transitioned to online learning. Most of my classes are discussion-based seminars, so although it was definitely strange to meet with my professors and classmates over Zoom, it wasn't too drastic a change from the typical learning process.

How did you spend your free time? 

Harper: I cooked with my parents a lot and worked out. There wasn't a whole lot I could do outside because I live in a city and more people were out walking than usual, but I tried to make the most of my short runs.

Andrea: I spent my free time watching movies and TV with my family and exploring old running routes around my hometown.

What's the best movie or show you saw? 

Harper: I rewatched Avatar the Last Airbender again, and it still holds up super well. I also finally watched the Mandalorian and was pleasantly surprised, since a lot of the recent Star Wars content that's been coming has been kinda mediocre at best.

Andrea: My mom and I watched the series Avatar: The Last Airbender together. It was her first time watching it, and my third or fourth, so it was fun to see her watch the storyline and world-building unfold. I always appreciate something new and unexpected each time I watch the series, and this time it was the excellent writing.

How have you kept engaged with your coaches and teammates? 

Harper: The track team has trivia Thursdays that are always a ton of fun. It's not limited to certain event groups, and the questions are always really varied and pretty challenging.

Andrea: The team has been keeping in touch with Zoom sessions multiple times a week, where we do core and circuits together and generally catch up with one another. Every few weeks the coaches organize a team check-in, so it's been nice to see everyone despite the distance. One of our coaches hosts trivia on Thursday nights and that's been a fun way to see both old and new faces as we welcome our incoming freshmen.

How have you kept in shape for your sport? 

Harper: I'm lucky that cross/track is something that I can train for individually, since it means the pandemic hasn't done a whole lot to stop me from training (only my fragile legs can do that), so I've mostly been running and biking, although I might try using a rowing machine until my bike gets out of the shop.

Andrea: Luckily for me, distance running is relatively easy to do when social distancing, and it's helped keep me sane and focused these past few months. I only had access to a cement track when I was doing spring track workouts, but was able to adapt and get the work in. I've had to get creative about switching up my running routes, and now that it's the summer I've been exploring more rail trails in my area.

What's the first thing you want to do when you get back onto campus?

Harper: I miss being in Gosman and out on the track. It's the little things that really get you. I miss the loop so much, especially since the washer and dryer are broken at my house right now, so I've been using a friend's laundry machines!

Andrea: The first thing I want to do when I get back onto campus is see my teammates.