At the latest track meet, two distance runners delivered standout performances, setting new personal records (PRs) and proving the impact of determination, teamwork, and confidence in the sport.
Second-year runner Norma Vasquez achieved a major milestone in the 1600-meter race. Vasquez improved her mile time from 6:50 to 6:12.22 minutes, a significant jump that reflects her growth in endurance and racing strategy.
“Reaching the last 200m, I knew I had plenty of energy left to pass the runner right in front of me,” Vasquez shares. “Finishing the last 100m, I was able to leave a slight gap and finished in second place.”
She knew something special was happening late in the race. Her new PRs have changed how she views her potential as a runner.
“This new PR made me realize that I am capable of doing better,” she says. “Seeing my finished time only motivates me to continue doing better.”
Another runner who has strided this season is Brandon Zarr, who competes in both the 1600-meter and 800-meter events. In the 800-meter run, he set his new PR of 2:18.42 minutes. By increasing his mileage and adopting a more determined mindset, Zarr has continued to grow as an athlete and approach each race with a focus on finishing strong while enjoying the process.
“My mindset is to just get it done and love it while I do it,” exclaims Brandon Zarr.
During the races, Zarr can often tell when he’s performing at his best.
“I know during the second or third lap when I feel really energized and feel like I could pick up the pace. I feel it in my legs too, like they don’t hurt or anything, so I know I am running my best, and I could go faster,” states Zarr
Looking forward, he wants to improve his PRs for both the 800-meter and 1600-meter. He wants to run 4:45 or 4:30 minutes in the 1600-meter, and wants to beat his newly set PR with a goal of 2:05 to 2:00 minutes in the 800-meter. To achieve this, Zarr believes motivation and keeping a positive mindset are key!
“No matter what you do, you have to want to be able to improve and set their own PRs,” he expresses. “If you want it enough, you’ll get it.”
Both runners credit their teammates, coaches, and training environment for their help in reaching this milestone.
“My teammates had a big influence on my milestone by the way we supported each other and just practiced by their side,” conveys Vasquez, “When it comes to practice, being with my teammates who do perform better than me, inspires me to push harder and reach their levels.”
The challenges Coach Octavio presents to the team keep the team striving for improvement.
“My coaches influence me by coaching me to the best of their ability as well as cheering me on. My environment is very positive, which helps a lot because I probably wouldn’t want to run in a negative environment,” says Zarr.
For both runners, the recent meet was more than just a race. It was proof that dedication, supportive teammates, and the belief in their abilities can lead to breakthrough performance on the track and field.
