Belen's Aaron Valenzuela has been a fixture at the front of the New Mexico race scene since 2012. Photo courtesy of Belen Athletics.
With the Jamboree in the rear view mirror, we now are counting down the days until the state reconvenes in Rio Rancho for the Big Dance. Until then, we will pass the time getting to know this season's Senior Class.
Questionnaires were handed out at the Jamboree, or emailed to those who were not in attendance, and this is what we get. The Top 30 Seniors were determined from the 5K Rankings before the Jamboree, then adjusted after the Jamboree. If a kid was Top 30 before the race, they received a questionnare, if they raced themselves into the 30, then they were emailed a questionnarie after. With that, we continue our series with the hard charging, Aaron Valenzuela.
NM Milesplit Top 30 Senior Profile - #1 Aaron Valenzuela
What are your Goals for the 2014 XC Season? How are the progressing toward them?
My goal is to win the 5A State Championship individually and make it on the podium team wise. We are working very hard everyday at practice. We push each other to get better.
What does a typical week of training look like for you? Do you Cross Train?
Monday's are long runs, which are 5 miles. Tuesday-Thursday are 3 mile runs and Friday is a 2 mile tempo run. I cross train in the summer and during the season. I ride the bike, lift weights, and train on the elliptical or treadmill.
Describe your favorite workout and tell why it’s your favorite.
My favorite workout is probably Friday because of how easy it is.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running in the 7th grade after I wasn't able to play football. Since then I've been running XC and Track.
What is your favorite and toughest race so far?
My favorite race so far was last year at the NM State Championship where I placed 2nd. My touhgest race was last year when we ran at ATC. It rained which caused the course to become extremely muddy and slippery.
Describe your favorite XC memory.
My favorite XC memory was when our bus broke down after District my sophomore year. We ended up stranded at a gas station for 2 hours.
Out of all your accomplishments, which one(s) stand out?
Being a State-Runner up while also becoming a 3-Time All-American.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school has got to be English. It's just easy to me.
When you’re not running, what do you like to do?
When I'm not running, I am usually working outside or working on homework. The work never ends.
How have your Coaches influenced you?
My coaches have influenced me to become a leader on our team and to teach the younger kids the sport of Cross Country.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to attend college and run for them.
Fast 6
- Your favorite pre-race meal: Spaghetti
- What shoes do you train/race in: I train/race in two different Nike running shoes.
- Favorite athlete (running or non-running): Secretariat
- Favorite song: Iris by The GooGoo Dolls
- Favorite book: "A Child Called it"
- Favorite quote: "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, an hour, or even a day but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit however, it will last forever"
Thank you for the time Aaron, and best of luck in the pursuit of your season goals.