Despite running in lanes 2 and 3 lapping runners the last two laps of the race, Carlos Villarreal was able to secure the 5th fastest time in the nation in the 3200m at the Scottsdale Distance Classic. Arizona Milesplit Photo.
Carlos Villarreal was chosen as athlete of the week for running the nation's 5th fastest time in the 3200m at the Scottsdale distance classic, his first time ever running the 3200m.
VOTE RIGHT HERE SO CARLOS CAN BE NATIONAL PERFORMER OF THE WEEK AS WELL!!!
Sounds like Carlos has a new event right? Probably not. “I see the big picture as a team," explained Carlos, “We got 2nd last year in the 4x400m at state, and want to do better this year. I'd have to ditch my team to run the 3200m." Even though he'd rather stick with his team, he is still undoubtedly one of the fastest in the nation in the 3200m, and 1600m. In fact when he ran the 1600m at Chandler Rotary he was the fastest in the nation at the time (currently #2).
Right after the Chandler Rotary Milesplit national came out with a watch list of the country's top milers, but it didn't include Carlos. While some athletes could have been upset about not being include Carlos maintained a positive attitude, “I don't pay attention to that, I know what I can do. I just go out there and run." While he may not have paid attention I know track junkies from across the nation paid attention and the local community supported him.
Going forward Carlos is focused and seeing himself doing great things. Next weekend he will trying his hand in the 800m at the Arcadia Invitational. “I am a big visualizer, I think about races months away," he explained, “At Arcadia everyone is elite; I will try and be up there in the pack and compete." If recent history serves as any indication Carlos should also nab one of the nation's fastest times as well.
Talking to Carlos about his goals, he doesn't think about times, rather he focuses on competing well. Carlos also indicated he would like to be remembered. “By the time I graduated I want to be remembered," adding, “You don't tell people you are fast, if you run well, they will know who you are." It probably doesn't hurt that all his competitors know who he is already due to his warm friendly personality, “My dad and my coach call me a social butterfly," Carlos remarked with a smile in his voice.
Wherever he ends up nationally Carlos will be hard to forget at the state level, due to his social nature and dominant performances on the track.
