Christina Hernandez is coming off some hot running with an 18:56 5k win at Texas A&M and a 11:25 2 mile for third at McNeil. Hernandez plays a pick six with TX MileSplit.
TX MileSplit: You're coming off the track season where you double medaled in the 1600 including the Gold in the 3200, at the State meet. Did that give you some confidence or momentum heading into this XC?
Christina: Coming into this XC season, I referred to last track season as motivation as I began to set my first goal of my senior year. Every season I follow what I call a "goal cycle". The First step of the cycle is setting a goal. Second step is working to get closer to that goal. Third step is successfully achieving that goal. Fourth step is celebrating for your accomplishment. But like every cycle, there is no end. The cycle simply returns to step one. So after celebrating a state title in track season, I moved on to the beginning of my cycle and started to prepare for XC season.
TX MileSplit: You're having a great senior year and you're setting huge PRs, what was the preparation like for this season and was the approach any different from your past off seasons?
Christina: As I began preparing for this season, finding a purpose in my love for running and training played a big part. By finding purpose, I was able apply these incentives to workouts and push myself farther than ever before. My approach to this season hasn't altered much from previous years, I've just increased my focus and intensity of workouts.
TX MileSplit: So, you won the Region III Preview 2 mile race, followed up by your win in the A&M race over some big 5A and 6A competition, and over the weekend you got 3rd at McNeil, is this the year you win that State XC Title?
Christina:The outcome of the State XC Title, in my opinion, ultimately depends of God's plan for me. In every meet, I race with all my strength and ability given to me. When state approaches, I know I can control my performance; however, I can't control the performance of my other competitors. God willingly, I come home with the State XC Title.
TX MileSplit: What led you to being a runner?
Christina: When I was younger, I was greatly influenced by my older sister, Sam. Whatever Sam was, I wanted to be. So, seeing her race in high school, I decided to become a runner in first grade. I began running "fun runs", and soon began competing for my school. It wasn't until high school that God opened my eyes to recognize that the true reason for becoming a runner was impacted by his will to expose me to my capabilities, strengths, and determination through racing.
TX MileSplit: You have had a very good high school career with tons of success, thus far. Looking back at it to this point what are your thoughts and feelings about it?
Christina: Reflecting on my freshman year to now, I can't put into words how grateful I am to have come this far. Not only has it been a great experience competing with some of the top runners in the state, but it's been even more humbling to experience it with my team and witness them improve individually. I'm beyond excited to see what this year holds for myself and my team! I'm looking forward to the finishing my senior with a bang, and even more eager to continue my running career as a collegiate athlete!
TX MileSplit: What is your recruiting looking like? What are the schools you're considering and why?
Christina: So far, I have not signed with any college yet; however, I am scheduled to visit SFA and UIW in October to see both great programs in person! Both schools have caught my attention by their teams' performance in races and by great academic opportunities provided by their school. I'm excited to get know both teams and learn more about training and racing in college!
Bonus Questions:
BONUS 1: What event do you like the best 1600m or 3200m?
Christina: When choosing which event I enjoy most, I'd would have to be the 1600m. Although I am a better at longer distances, I find the 1600m challenging and exciting. I enjoy testing my ability and pushing it to the next level. During track season, I absolutely love racing the 1600m relay with my teammates, so when I race the 1600m, I feel the same adrenaline, excitement, and intensity of the 1600m relay.
BONUS 2: What do you like better Track or XC?
Christina: I enjoy XC more track because I love being able to run through the woods, creeks, fields, and gravel roads. One day the course could windy and muddy and the next day it could be humid and dry. The different courses make races an exciting challenge because they're all unpredictable!
BONUS 3: State XC meet to be hot and humid or raining and muddy?
Christina: I'd prefer the State XC Meet be hot and humid rather than raining and muddy because my muscles are more relax, loose and ready during hot temperatures.
BONUS 4: What does your typical Friday night look like before a Saturday meet?
Christina: Every Friday before a meet mainly consists of relaxation. Typically on overnight meets, my teammates and I take turns stretching and rolling out one another. After we do all the pre-race routines, we love finding a movie on TV, listening to music, or just talking while we lay down and rest.
BONUS 5: What is on your playlist for meet days?
Christina: On meet days, my playlist consists of all Christian music. I find strength and motivation through songs such as "With Everything" (Hillsong Worship), "In Me" (Casting Crowns), "Lord, I Need You" (Chris Tomlin), "Have It All" (Bethel Music), "I'll Keep On (NF), etc. Christian music helps calm my nerves and gives me reassurance that Christ in empowering me throughout the whole race.
