Jorge Hernandez-Esquivel talks about going from video games to running and the journey.
Name: Jorge Hernandez-Esquivel
Personal bests: 5K: 16:32, 1 mile: 4:45, 800: 2:06
Hobbies: running, video games, soccer, traveling
Academic interest: Math and science
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
This is a funny one. I was not a very athletic kid back in my middle school days. After school everyday, I would go home, eat, sleep and play video games all day and that was basically the story of my life. During my freshman year my mom got tired of my daily routine and came to my room one day and asked me why I was so lazy and told me that I should try a sport. I immediately thought about football but realized I was way too skinny for that. After many failed attempts to make the basketball team, I was out of ideas and was making mother very agitated. So as a last minute resort, I decided to try track and field, because everyone makes the track team, well mostly everyone. From there, running just stuck and I got addicted to it.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
Just my sister, but this is her first year trying cross country. She's more of a soccer and volleyball player.
Tell us about Saturday's race: Expectations, race strategy.
I'm actually really excited. I have no clue how its going to go as anyone can take the championship with the right mindset. I don't really have a strategy other than just trying to cross that finish line.
What roles do you have on the team this year?
I wouldn't call myself the leader, but usually I just led the team and they followed me wherever I went on runs.
What does it mean to be part of your team?
I love my team. All my best friends were apart of the team and it just meant family being able to do a sport we all loved.
Do you have any post season cross country meets planned?
Not at the moment. I usually take a break during the offseason and prepare for track.
Do you have a specific race strategy that works best for you?
Yes, I like to cruise the first mile and begin to gradually pick up the pace from there.
What plans do you have for the future?
Right now, going to college and getting a degree but I honestly have no clue.
Are you looking to run at a college? Please explain.
Yes, I would consider running at college. I have not really thought of any team in specific. I'm currently just trying to get into a college.
Do you remember your first race? Please explain.
Yes and no. I know it was during my freshman year during track. It was probably the open mile and all I remember was my time was very slow.
How did summer training go?
I feel like I had a good summer. I added unique workouts and I would go on long runs with my coach early in the morning on Sundays. But, I actually dread summer training. It gets very lonely running on my own and not being able to run with my team.
What do you remember the most from being a runner?
The awful shin splints I got my freshman year in track.
Do you have a specific reason to achieve a goal or goals this season?
I want to show my team that it is possible to do good by showing them that I reached my goals.
What do you enjoy the most about being part of the Pelion team?
That I can spend time with my friends and do something we mutually enjoy.
What do you enjoy about the team and being on the course with them daily?
I really enjoy just running on the country trails of Pelion and trying to find something during the run to joke about and that even though we have a fun time, my team still stays committed and on task.
What's the one thing you will never forget from being with the team?
The tips and advice my coach has told me.
What helps you stay focused during practices and races?
Looking ahead and not at the ground.
What responsibility to you feel you have to your teammates? Please explain.
To show them that they can accomplish great things and with the right mindset and dedication, they too can achieve their goals.
Do you have a pre-race tradition? Please explain.
Stretching.
How do you balance academics, athletics and other responsibilities?
I go with the flow.
What challenges or injuries have you encountered in the sport? How did you stay motivated during this time?
Shin splints. I tried to stay motivated by setting a goal of when they would go away. They lasted longer than I expected.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
Travel the world. So I can run in awesome trails and different terrains.
Favorite runner(s): Alan Webb
Favorite food: Hamburger
Favorite bands: The O'jays, The Temptations and Redbone
Favorite quote: This is embarrassing. I don't have one
Favorite training shoe and racing shoe: Brooks Pureflow. I train and race in them.
Inspirational person in your life: Aubrey Hite