Capturing The Moment With Richelle Sandin

I was born in Tucson, Arizona and have lived here my whole life. At my elementary school, I decided to try out for the 400m which was the longest track event that my school had offered and won. The thrill of racing and challenging myself was all I needed to realize that I enjoyed running and wanted to continue doing it.

I really enjoy speed workouts. My favorites would have to be either 1000 repeats on part of our cross-country course or any repeat of a distance from 200m-400m on the track.

I have made so many amazing memories throughout high school cross country, but if I had to pick my absolute favorite, it would be our 2017 California trip to the Mt. Carmel Invite in San Diego. It was so fun to see everyone dress up in something other than our workout clothes when we all went out for dinner and to have an opportunity to bond with everyone outside of our usual environment. Everyone performed really well at Mt. Carmel and it was the perfect trip on some many levels because everyone grew closer and made even the simplest moments fun.

Describe your coach and what he has always affirmed at practices.

Coach Smith is our Girls cross-country coach. He is a very caring person who believes that we should compete every day because hard work will be our key to success. Although he is serious about being a focused athlete, he also allows us to have a fun environment as well. (Right: Richelle took 2nd among D2 Senior Girls at Mt. Carmel.-photo by Clark Kranz)

I am never too hungry right after a race, so I usually just eat something light and refreshing like fruit.

My former teammate Hannah Whetzel has been a great role-model to me throughout high school. She inspired me to bring our team closer because she was the first person to introduce herself to me, and guide me through the life of high school sports. Having this amazing and kind Senior girl accept me and teach me all of the team's routes and many helpful things inspired me to do the same for any of the new members on our team and to build a positive and friendly environment.

I like running in Tucson because the weather is fairly consistent, which allows us to train year-round. I also like that there are so many trail options and places that are runner friendly.

I am currently reading an interesting book in my English class right now called 1984 by George Orwell. One of the most interesting concepts to think about is that history could easily be altered based on how it is recorded or how people choose to teach it, which is really frightening.

I admire a lot of professional runners, but I think I'd have to choose Brenda Martinez. Her back story is amazing and I really admire her for giving back to the community now that she has made it big. She never forgot her roots or let fame go to her head and uses her own story to inspire other girls to chase their dreams. I feel like she is very wise and would have some incredible stories to share on a run.

I love art. Whether it be drawing, painting, drawing digitally, or taking photos, I really enjoy the freedom to create whatever my mind thinks up and to capture moments.

(Below: Catalina Foothills girls won the Eye of the Tiger Invitational.-photo by Harold Smith)

Individually, I am hoping to drop my time as much as can, place top three at state, and hopefully qualify for either Nike or Foot Locker Nationals. As a team, I have high hopes because we have so many returning athletes who are continuing to work hard and improve and a lot of new girls who are doing well. I think we have a good chance at taking State as a team if everyone continues to stay dedicated and challenge themselves.  

I am planning on running at either Nike Cross Country Regionals or Foot Locker Cross Country Regionals with hopes that I can make it to Nationals in whichever one I decide on. I enjoyed running at NXR in the past, but I have never run at Foot Locker, which is why I am considering trying something new my Senior year.