Daniel Bernal finishing 5th at NXN Photo By: Travis Miller
Daniel Bernal qualified for NXN last weekend when he placed 5th overall. This was a big jump from last year (2014) when the El Paso Eastwood junior placed 67th. We asked him about his training to make it to where he is this year what he's most excited for about heading to Portland and more in our Q&A below.
Texas MileSplit: You made a huge jump from last year (67th) to this year (5th) at NXN South. What helped to contribute to that jump
Daniel Bernal: The first time I raced Nike South, I didn't know what to expect. I expected a similar outcome from state that year(2014) and truly... it wasn't. The racing strategy changed tremendously. I had to get out fast as heck the first 300m. And I did, so I had a great race this year at South.
Texas MileSplit: You had a tough race at state, how did you change your focus coming in to NXN?
Daniel Bernal: I didn't change my focus, I had an awful race at state. The conditions weren't there and I got trampled on 7 times. All I did this time was run desperately the first 300 m and be cautious with my footing.
Texas MileSplit: What was your emotion when you realized you qualified for NXN?
Daniel Bernal: I knew I had a secured spot. I'm the first El Pasoan to go ever to NXN. I was filled with joy and pride and passion.
Texas MileSplit: What are you most excited for having the chance to compete at NXN?
Daniel Bernal: I'm gonna get to race against 200 other bad a$$es!!! That is an adrenaline rush! A heck of a race will it be and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.
Texas MileSplit: How has training been the past two weeks leading into NXN? What are your goals for NXN?
Daniel Bernal: Goals: Give it my all. Run as fast as my legs can carry me. Run to die and collapse at the finish line. Training: Better and faster start. Stripping close to naked to get used to the frigid cold here in Oregon.
Texas MileSplit: Whats been one of your best memories from this season (so far)?
Daniel Bernal: Best memory must be getting to go to state by ONE point beating Allen HS without our 5 guy. We shouted and were overwhelmed.
Texas MileSplit: What was your biggest challenge this season?
Daniel Bernal: My biggest challenge must be not being able to run a suicide pace. I want to absolutely give it my all. I still need to break through that barrier.
Fun questions:
Fun questions:
Texas MileSplit: If you were an animal what kind of an animal would you be and why?
Daniel Bernal: I'd be a panda. I can eat all I want and not care if I'm fat.
Texas MileSplit: Favorite pre and post race food?
Daniel Bernal:
Pre: Oatmeal
Post: PB&J
Texas MileSplit: The Quan or the Nae Nae?
Daniel Bernal: Nae Nae... is that a rapper?:) :) jk I know what it is
Texas MileSplit: Favorite pro athlete (any sport), and why?
Daniel Bernal: Paul Pearson. One of my coaches and he's CANADIAN!!! Who doesn't love bacon?!?!
Texas MileSplit: Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or one hundred duck-sized horses?
Daniel Bernal: I could FLY on top of the duck! I'd tame it and fight it.
