While many students consider running in intense Fresno heat a fate worse than death, senior Nathan Hinojosa embraces the challenge of participating on the track team.
Hinojosa has developed a passion for track over three years. He decided to join the track team because of its exercise benefits, and a desire to bond with the teammates.
?I do the one mile and two mile because I’m a better distance runner,? Hinojosa said. ?Sophomore year I tried sprinting but I was not good at it, so the past two years I’ve done distance running, which I like a lot better.?
Hinojosa has many role models on the team. His main inspiration has been FC alumnus Ryan Brunn, ’08.
?Ryan was really good and he pushed himself to his full potential,? said Hinojosa. ?I also look up to Janae Ford, ‘[’09]. She always works hard and helps other teammates. She is very talented in the 100 meter and 4 by 1 relay. Her strive and dedication is very admirable.?
Despite the hard work and motivation track can require, Hinojosa and the team still find opportunities to have fun. They traveled to Pismo beach and practiced running on the sand. Hinojosa says the process was helpful because the challenge of running in softe sand made running seem easier on grass.
?We went to a track retreat at the beach and all of the girls put make-up on us boys. They made me go buy food at In-N-Out with all my make-up on, it was really embarrassing. The retreat was fun because all of the teammates were able to bond and get closer as a team. It was overall a very good experience.?
While Ford took part in making up Hinojosa, she says she respects his commitment to the team.
“It was really funny when we made him go into In-N-Out with make-up on,” Ford said. “Nathan has a lot of endurance and he’s a good team captain. We have been friends since second grade so it’s fun having him do track.”
Throughout the season, Hinojosa says he has encountered many highlights and had positive experience he will always remember.
?The meet at Taft was my favorite so far this season,? Hinojosa said. ?I ran 3000 meters and had to jump over steeples, it’s called the steeple chase. Sometimes you have to jump into water. It was really fun. Doug [Daniel, ’10] also did the steeple chase but he ended up beating me.?
Outside of track Hinojosa still enjoys physical activities, but prefers to relax in his spare time.
?I played soccer in elementary school so I still enjoy playing it in my free time,? Hinojosa said. “My favorite thing to do on the weekends is go to the movies with friends. I also like to play video games on my Playstation 3.?
Despite Hinojosa’s passion for track, he does not want to continue running in college. He said it has provided many opportunities to build new friendships and he has enjoyed the overall experience.
?It’s fun for now because all of my friends are in it,? Hinojosa said. ?Sometimes I have trouble finding motivation and they are always there to help me and pick me up. Overall I have enjoyed doing track and I’m happy I decided to do it my senior year.?
For more information, read the track and field sport shorts or Keep on runnin’.
