Men’s and women’s Cross Country Coach Lauryn Jordan Seales said the season is going well with steady progress in both squads. Seales noted three standout athletes who have been leading this season.
“Our women’s team recently placed 6th at the Modesto JC Invitational, led by Francisca Eguiluz-Serrano, who finished 28th overall but has MUCH MORE in the tank after she ran a[n] astounding 19:48 in the 5k a few weeks back,” said Seales, in an email interview. “On the men’s side, we finished 5th as a team, led by freshman Michael Pelaez, who ran an impressive PR of 20:24 in the 4-mile, closely followed by sophomore Andrew Morales in 20:26.”
In order to keep the team motivated before meets, Seales said the team works to have a positive environment and stay team-focused.
“Reviewing race strategies, sharing individual goals, and reminding each athlete of their progress. I also emphasize competing for one another and staying composed when the race gets tough,” said Seales.
The most recent team meet was on Oct. 18, at Badlands Park in Sunnyvale. The men’s team ran an 8K and the women’s team ran a 6K. The result of the scoring for the team was led by three standout athletes.
Out of 209 runners freshman Pelaez was 23rd place with a time of 25:45.0 and sophomore Morales 43rd place with a time of 26:16.2. The women’s team was led by sophomore Eguiluz-Serrano. Out of 123 runners Eguiluz-Serrano placed 82 place with a time of 26:07.7.
Morales, 19, said he trains his mind and body for each meet. Morales balances his studies, work, commuting, and running. With resilience Morales works hard to meet his running goals which he said he believes will lead him to doing well at state.
“I get into my mindset by really focusing on how I’m going to run my race mentally. The day before a meet, I typically run only 4 miles and do a few strides, then use the normatec and roll out in order to feel fresh for the race the day after,” said Morales, , in a text message interview.
Morales’ steady scores and experience in each meet shows how he is reliable to the men’s team.
Pelaez, 18 said he strategizes improving his performance, motivation, and action to best show his abilities while running at Delta.
“Before a meet, often the day before, I cut back on training and try to come up some type of plan or pacing strategy. Throughout the season I try to build my weekly milage/intensity and only taper for big meets or qualifiers, like state,” said Pelaez, in a text message interview.
Pelaez said his season is progressing well but notes actions he can take to increase his performance.
“My increase in training has allowed my performance to become much better from high school. However, I still have a long way to go before I’m satisfied,” said Pelaez. “I feel I need to improve on everything. My speed, endurance, and strength are still far from ideal. But I’m working to improve!”
Eguiluz-Serrano, 19, emphasizes the importance of rest and recovery, focusing on hydration, sleep, and recovery’s importance to running.
“Mondays and Tuesdays would be the most important days as they consist of Tempos and Interval workouts that prepare us to push the pace, and be uncomfortable. Of course, recovery is just as important because your body gets faster when it heals, and not just when it’s being put under stress,” said Eguiluz-Serrano.
The Mustangs next meet is the Big 8 Conference Championships on Oct. 30 at Tuolumne Regional Park, Modesto, Calif.
