Alex Lomeli '19 Recruiting Profile

I started running in the third grade and won my first two races. By the time I was in the sixth grade, I was running more seriously and decided to take it to the next level. That year, I ran the 800m for the first time and really excelled throughout the season. I soon realized that I was a middle distance runner. The following year, I joined a club team and qualified for the Junior Olympics in cross country. In eighth-grade, I broke the Catholic Youth Organization - Los Angeles record for the 800m and also qualified for the Junior Olympics in the 800m and 1500m.  

I have learned to let things go through running. What I mean by this is when I have a bad race or when I'm upset about something, I don't dwell on it. I learn from the experience and move on.  

An obstacle that I have had to overcome is an injury. I strained my quad and it took longer to heal than expected. I wasn't able to train for three months and went through six months of physical therapy. When I was able to start training again, I would get really bad pains in my leg that would prevent me from running at 100%. It felt like every time I tried to push myself and fight through the pain, I still couldn't run like before. I had to pay more attention to what my body was telling me. I adjusted my workouts to help me get back into shape. With the help and support from my coaches, teammates, physical therapist, and family, I was back in shape by the end of my freshman year.