The state championship-bound, McClatchy cross country team set out last Saturday to Cordova High School to race in the grand HOKA meet.
The meet was sponsored by the very popular running shoe brand HOKA and the top three runners from each race had the opportunity to win a limited edition HOKA backpack. The race was two miles on a track, so about eight laps.
The Lions gave it their all and did incredibly, even with many runners setting new personal records. The team has been doing really well this season, even with some runners being injured they give it their all.
Reina is a sophomore at McClatchy and has been out from running due to an injury she sustained earlier in the season. She has just returned to running and has run 3 races since returning, including the HOKA race.
“So Ms. Reina you have been injured for quite some time now and you’ve just recently gotten back to running. How does it feel to be back?”
“It feels really good. I’m really excited especially about the track season because I know there’s not a lot of cross country left and I feel like I am satisfied overall with my performances during these races.”
“Yes you’re already such an amazing runner and I’m sure the team is joyed to have you back! How did you feel you did at the meet?”
“I know I didn’t run my personal record and I was initially really frustrated about that but I think it’s due to the fact that I haven’t really done a lot of speed workouts and I know that I’m just going to have to be patient. Like, it’s a waiting game and it’s completely mental.”
“Yes it is so mentally challenging, but I know you will do great!”
Hugh is a McClatchy freshman and is already an incredibly talented runner. Hugh suffered a nasty ankle injury at the last race in Clovis. He was tripped and his ankle was stepped on, but he didn’t let that hold him back as he only continued to get stronger.
“So I know you had a pretty nasty accident at the last meet in Clovis. I’m sure many people weren’t expecting you to be back racing so soon. How do you feel after the incident?”
“It definitely hurt a lot and I couldn’t run for a week, which sucked. So I tried to get back to racing as soon as possible”
“Well, I am just glad that you’re okay because you’re a really good runner and you’re only a freshman at that! What did you feel like during your race?”
“The first 800 hundred meters I think I went out too fast, but I eventually settled in and started to feel a lot better. I feel like if I didn’t start off so fast I probably could’ve gotten top 5.”
“You can do this Hugh, we’re rooting for you!”
The runners repeatedly prove that lions are at the top of the food chain. They work hard and run strong. Another honorable mention is Marisa, a junior at McClatchy who ran such an amazing race that she moved by 4 points! Way to go Marisa and remember to stay lion-strong!