Yasmine Yacut is a senior at Desert Vista High School and a State Champion in the 800 meters. Yasmine was part of the team from Desert Vista making an appearance at the Nike Track Nationals in 2010 and will be doing her best to help her team get back there. She has a very upbeat and bubbly personality and a joy to talk to...........keep checking back to see how her final track season is going!!
PR's
800 Meters - 2:14.19
1600 Meters - 5:09.71
Yasmine Yacut
(Sr., Desert Vista, AZ)
Journal Entry #2 (May 12, 2011)
Sup Milesplit!
So it's getting pretty crazy as it leads towards our last couple weeks of high school left here at Desert Vista!! Next Friday is our last day of school for the Seniors and final exams week. Yesterday was the first part of the state meet, pre-lims and finals. I ran my two main open events, the 800 and 1600. I didn't go into the mile with too many high expectations but I did want to beat my PR from last year's state meet! Ironically, I matched my PR exactly with a 5:09 again! Though I did get 4th place which I was really excited about cause I got points for the team :) :) :) woohoo!
Then I got a little break thankfully before my 800 which is what I was really focusing on! I went into it with nerves and excitement but I knew I was ready to race and try to get the state title again. Not only was getting the state title my goal, so was breaking our school record! In order to do that, I would need a 2:12. Though I did not break the school record, I did get the state champion title again with my PR match which I was realllllllly happy about it! That race really pushed me, especially the first lap coming in with a 65 then the second lap I knew I had to finish it, especially the last 300 I needed to separate from the other runner's. The last 200 I just went and gave it my all and ta-da! It was a great race and great competition :) Though I really wish I did better with my time! After state, I'm thinking about competing in the Meet of Champions but it's not for sure. Following that, hopefully Desert Vista will be attending Nike Track Nationals in Oregon again this summer! Then following high school track, it's a possibility I'll be running for ASU. But I'm for sure a Sundevil :)
Now Saturday I'm ready to run with my team in the 4x8 and 4x4 relays! It's super bittersweet since it's my last high school state meet, aw! Good luck to all the other schools! Go in with a positive attitude because that effects your race mentally for a good run; NEVER bring a negative attitude with you!
To those who have graduated, go you!!! Everyone in school still, good luck with finishing up any AP exams and finals! Have a wonderful summer everyone :)
Ciaooooooo,
Yasmine
Yasmine Yacut
(Sr., Desert Vista, AZ)
Journal Entry #1 (April 7, 2011)
Heeeey Milesplit! :)
I was asked by the gracious Margot Kelly to write a journal for milesplit. Honestly how could I say no? I would love to! For starters, my name is Yasmine Yacut and I'm a senior at Desert Vista High School.
Now let's get to the background story of myself. I'm an Arizona native, born here in Phoenix! I have an old brother and a younger sister who I'm both very close to, they're my best friends. I guess you could say I like being the middle child, you get the best of both worlds! Then you have my two parents who are my support throughout my life and my role models.
I have always been a runner at heart since I guess you could say kindergarten. I loved playing tag with the boys, capture the flag, or little races at recess. I wanted to run some more but with a sport so I joined soccer and loved it! Though in 6th grade I quit and committed my time to just solely track and field. My older brother is actually the reason why I went into running. He was in 8th grade at the time and being a little sister and all, I wanted to do everything he did. He really inspired me to run and still does today! He's one of my big motivators.
Now I'm a senior, enjoying every bit of high school until the class of 2011 graduates! This past year I actually joined cross country for the first time (to help my training for track) and I loved every single second of it. I regret not joining cross country the past four years since it has made a huge impact in my life. The team, the coaches, and the sport is absolutely wonderful and I highly recommend it. Our training began the beginning of June and let me just tell you, it was not easy. Cross country is a highly mental sport and I was not exactly the best at jumping into distance but then you get used to it and I love the shape that you're in from all the mileage being gained! Camp was super tough up in high altitude but that's where you get to know your teammates better and you build such a tight bond. The boys and girls cross country team is a crazy group and there is ALWAYS a good laugh. I was fortunate enough to be on the top 7 team and the girls got 2nd at state :) :) :) yay!
After Nike Southwest, our girls got a two week break before we jumped back into training for track season. My favorite! Overall, I would have to say cross country has helped me with track, especially my endurance. I'm a 800, 1600, 4x4, and 4x8 runner but the 800 is my main race.
Two weeks ago we had THE Chandler Rotary, and unfortunately my last, and I PR'd in the 800! Woo! Usually I don't PR in the 800 until the end of the season, so the fact that I did in my first open race really pumps me up and I still have a lot in me for the rest of the season. Arcadia is this weekend and I'm really excited!! My goal is to break the school record this season. One of my life motto's has always been to go big or go home and that's what I'm setting out for this weekend in California. Good luck to everyone who's competing this weekend in either Sun Angels or Arcadia!!!
Now as the year is coming to a close (graduation is next month, yeeee) it's stressful time with all of the seniors and the usual senioritis has got me bad. Especially to those who are not only balancing running but are part of other clubs! I'm on student council as senior class President and it's a toughie waking up early for stuco meetings, schoolwork, then practice after school for some solid fun training. Don't give up ladies and gentlemen! We'll get through this. Enjoy high school while you can, it's the wonder years! Forever young! I hope everyone is having a wonderful season and training hard, good luck good luck good luck! :)
Love,
Yasmine