INSTEP with David Pacheco

Another persistent runner in Orange County is David Pacheco. Hailing from Valencia High School in Placentia and currently attending Cal State Fullerton, David is an OC native who has spent the last 8 years of his young life being a runner. He is now a freshman at the division 1 collegiate level of competition. David started running because his brother ran for Valencia High School and he looked like he was having fun. David then joined a running club at a young age to follow his brother's path. His brother has played an immense role in David's running career because not only that he was the one who brought him to the running scene, he also inspires David to be the best runner he can be.

David's favorite running route to run is at Crystal Cove State Park. He says "We ran there once a year at Valencia HS. It is my favorite run because it has a great view and it has some challenging hills to overcome. There is even one hill that is so hard, that you have to climb it to reach the top.

David's advice to an aspiring runner would be "If you aren't having fun, what's the point?". He feels that having fun with running allows someone to take runs easier and learn to enjoy it more. Another great inspiration that David has in his life to propel him as a better runner is his coach from high school, Brandon Frank. He taught David to become a better man and life lessons that will always be with him. His favorite running moment is competing at the State meet in cross country his senior year of high school. It meant a lot to David because he promised his coach his freshman year that they would make it. David says "It takes a lot of dedication to be a cross country runner. You have to want it more than everyone else. You have to trust and believe yourself without making excuses".

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