Starting to run wasn’t a moment or memory I can pinpoint; it seemed sudden. All at once, I was either running laps or out on a trail. It started in the summer when Analy’s team was out on Laguna in the sun, and then, summer became fall, and XC season started up. Now, spring is coming, and track is right around the corner. When I started running for Analy, I was surrounded by teammates before I could blink. I’m forever grateful for that; Analy’s running program came to me, and that the one thing I could love and count on became my everyday. I hope most students have something to work towards and grow from, and for a lot of us, that is a sport.
In honor of this new season, I thought I would take time with two of my favorite people, who happen to be the hearts of Analy’s running program. Both are very important for the running community, and whose words of advice have not only carried me far, but I hope, will inspire aspiring athletes and current athletes here at Analy. Firstly, you have most likely heard her name floating around: Carole Hakistan, of the head coaches. In addition, one of my good friends (and Analy’s Track and Field Captain this season), Emma Wenzel James.
Emma is a light and standout on the team who carries lessons with grace and genuinely cares so much about the team. This is her third season of track and field, and next fall will be her third of XC, where this last season she received MVP. Needless to say, she’s beyond qualified to guide teammates this season with words of advice.
How do you describe Analy’s running program for someone who is interested?
Emma says, “Analy has such a tight-knit running community. There is a spot for everyone on our team, even if you don’t like running, as there are numerous field events that athletes can compete in as well. A big part of this sport is the friendship and support between teammates, and we most definitely have that in this year’s team.”
And she is right. Something I fail to see in other areas of the community is the pure and noticeable positive energy with peers. Every practice, even on my first day, there was a sense of excitement and welcome that you can feel when you step out onto the track.
What are three of your best tips for athletes?
We all struggle with balance sometimes as athletes, and burnout is a normal part of hard work. Emma quotes, “Showing up and putting the work in is one of the most important things that you can do, don’t put too much pressure on yourself… running isn’t linear, and everyone has bad races, so there’s no point in feeling like you have to be perfect every race. No one is.”
She quotes, “Don’t compare yourself to others. Although it’s very hard to not compare yourself to others with the literal definition of Junior Varsity and Varsity, it’s important to remember that not everyone’s path looks the same. There will be times when you have an amazing race while others have a bad one, and vice versa. Focus on yourself and don’t worry about someone else’s progress. Everybody’s lives look different, and your best is your best.”
How are you feeling about track season and your responsibilities as Team Captain this season?
Emma closed out her interview with “I’m feeling very optimistic about the season ahead and the huge team that we have this year.” And for her duties as Team Captain, “After being an underclassman for the last two years, and seeing the amazing effect that the past team captains had on the team, I can’t wait to do the same and be a strong leader… It’s very fulfilling to help others in something that you love as well.”
After practice one day, I sat with Carole to ask her some of her thoughts about coaching and this upcoming season and culture.
What are your hopes for this coming track season and seasons to come?
This is a loaded question, but Carole answered it with confidence and hope. She says, “Because we have so many people this season, I think there’s just a lot to look forward to…” Carole says, “More specifically, I’d love to see more athletes qualify for NCS Redwood, that’s kind of towards the end of the season. It would be nice to see the boys repeat as champions and the girls get close in future years.”
If you could sum up the running program at Analy, how would you describe it?
“I would describe it as a group of really kind people. Everyone is really caring of one another and encouraging, and I just feel like it’s a really supportive family. I also like the fact that people gravitate to a sport like running, which really needs patience, where you need to put in the work of the hours and the training to get to where you want to go.” Emma mentioned this as well, so it’s fair to say that running at Analy has overall, a very welcoming and positive hardworking working environment.
What are your favorite moments as a coach?
Team culture was mentioned again when I asked Carole this. Her whole face lit up as she said, “…probably one of the most enjoyable things is seeing everybody cheering everybody on – it’s just a cool thing. When you get encouragement from your peers, there’s nothing like that.” She talks about a special moment, “… It typically happens at meets, when somebody does something that they never thought they could do. You see the expression on their face like, “How did I do that?” That’s just such a great feeling. They clearly had to work hard to get to that point where they surpassed whatever limit they thought they could achieve.”
To sum it up, Analy’s running program has come far, and it’s going to shine this season. If you feel drawn to come out to track and field, any event, or to XC in the fall, I feel confident to tell you that there is something for everyone. To find a family, grow, and have fun throughout all the seasons.
