Mareno wants to make most of Camel City mile

After strong conclusion to cross country career, senior looking forward to opportunity to race professionals at JDL Fast Track event

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Following an impressive conclusion to her high school cross country career, Nevada Mareno is looking at her final year of track at Leesville Road NC with a long-term vision.

Mareno wants to appreciate every step along the journey, whether it be indoors or outdoors, racing against high school, college or professional athletes.

The Stanford signee will have the opportunity Saturday to race in her home state in the Camel City Elite indoor mile as part of the fifth Camel City Invitational, hosted by JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem. The meet can be viewed live on RunnerSpace +PLUS.

"Racing well always provides inspiration to continue training at a high level. After having a successful cross country season, I feel it's not as important for me to crush indoor," Mareno said. "If anything, I've fallen more out of shape than I was coming into postseason cross country. Though, I now know that when the time comes to ramp up training for high-stakes races, my body will respond and things should come together."

Former North Dakota State star and ASICS Furman Elite professional Erin Teschuk, who represented Canada in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in the Rio Olympics, will be joined in the field by New Balance pro Stephanie Garcia, a 2015 World Championship qualifier in the 3,000-meter steeplechase who placed fourth in the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Rachel Schneider, the 2015 NACAC gold medalist in the 1,500 meters while competing at Georgetown, is also entered in the mile.

"My expectations going in are just to gauge where I'm at," Mareno said. "I don't expect a PR or anything crazy, but just soak up the experience and be very observant. I think I can learn a lot watching the professional women prepare for the race."

Mareno finished second Dec. 10 at Foot Locker Nationals and was the top American Jan. 7 in the junior women's 4-kilometer race at the Great Edinburgh XCountry International Challenge in Scotland, placing third to lead the U.S. team to victory.

She has aspirations of her outdoor track career ending in similar fashion at New Balance Nationals Outdoor in North Carolina in June. Mareno is taking a patient, relaxed approach to make certain she can achieve those goals.

"My training has been fairly relaxed," Mareno said. "I have taken two or three rest days a week to ensure longevity this year and to be sure I stay engaged when the races become more important."