Camelback High School
Yesenia Valenzuela Flores
Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?
A: My training isn't going as planned given the certain circumstances its been rough during these times.
Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?
A: I am watching a lot of Netflix for sure and eating way more. Going to also start doing assignments online for school.
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: My most memorable race was basically the last race I got to participate in during cross country season which was state. It hurts to know that I didn't get to finish off my senior year with my track season to end it all off strong but to the great memories and accomplishments I already have I am very thankful.
(2019) Phoenix City Cross Country Meet - Yesenia took 4th.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: I remember one time I didn't use the restroom before my race, keep in mind I do long distance and I really thought I wasn't going to be able to hold it anymore to the point where as soon as I finished I had to continue to keep running all the way to the restroom. I made it but it was a super close one.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: My biggest competition has always been myself. Every time the goal was improving on myself, running my race, and finishing because giving up wasn't an option no matter how bad I was hurting. It's not just about being physically but also mentally strong. When your heart and mind are set to it you accomplish great things.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment was qualifying for state in cross country for 3 years. In my sophomore year, I qualified with my team and my last two years individually.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I would definitely do cross country since my freshman year and I would also train way harder and run every race like it's my last because I know I have a lot of potentials.
(2019) Division II, Section III Cross Country Meet - Yesenia took 8th.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: The most difficult obstacles I had to overcome were from rarely being hurt/injured and not being able to perform to my full ability or juggling all of the other activities that I was involved within school.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I will miss mostly all the funny moments full of laughter with my teammates and the times we spent at meets celebrating our achievements together.