On, June 4, Aryn Foland was the only representative of the Mira Costa track and field team in the CIF State Championship in Fresno and placed sixth. This was Foland’s last race as a high school student athlete and her goal was to make this one as memorable and successful as she possibly could.
“One thing I told myself was ‘this is going to be the last 10 minutes of racing in a high school competition’,” Foland said.
At such a competitive meet filled with talented runners, placing sixth was a very difficult feat.
“I was really focused on being top six in order to go up on the podium,” Foland said.
Runners can easily be intimidated by their opponents’ proven skill, but Foland managed to achieve her goal by repressing any thoughts of pressure so that she would not be affected.
“California has lots of fast athletes, so it’s scary going against them,” Foland said. “I just have to not let it psych me out.”
In the face of the tough competition at the race, Foland managed to run two miles at a time of 10 minutes and 23 seconds, breaking her own personal record of 10 minutes and 28 seconds.
Foland attributed her success to being both physically and mentally prepared for the big race.
“I actually felt really strong,” Foland said. “We tapered to prepare, which involves cutting back on mileage, so I went to the race really focused because I wanted to get a good time.”
Although breaking her own record during the state race was a major personal accomplishment, it was not the first record Foland had shattered. Last year, she set the Mira Costa two-mile record at 10 minutes and 28 seconds, replacing a 27-year-old record. By doing so, Foland inspired both herself and those around her to do the same. Of course, Foland has had her fair share of inspiration from others.
“I have a lot of support from all of my peers,” Foland said. “Not to mention I’ve been trained really well.”
Because she is a senior, Foland has many of the younger runners look up to her for guidance and motivation. Her hard work and determination has inspired her fellow teammates to work just as hard and try to repeat what she has done and continues to do.
“Once everyone heard how well she did in the championship, everyone felt genuinely happy,” teammate junior Kelli Sugimoto said. “Having one person do well does a lot for the team.”
Foland’s four years of success have also served to inspire her teammates to be the very best athletes they can possibly be.
“Seeing Aryn’s success during her four years inspires me to work just as hard as she does because all of her effort has really paid off,” Sugimoto said.
Leave a Reply