INSTEP with Jacob Smith

Jacob is a local runner from Garden Grove. Jacob has been running for 5 years and knows most of the ins and outs of running. Jacob went to Pacifica high School and graduated this year. He is now at Cal State Fullerton to continue his cross country and track & field careers. When asked why Jacob started running, he replied " I started running because I liked doing it in PE in middle school. It gave me a way to clear my head and forget about everything that made me unhappy". This outlet gave Jacob the chance to be one of the best runners that I am familiar with. One of Jacob's favorite runs to do is located in Shady Canyon in Irvine. It is a relatively hilly run while not being too difficult. It is also where he trained with a great coach by the name of Coach Sumner.

I asked Jacob what advice he would give to a new runner so that they can eventually become an "official" runner. He said "Do not ever mentally place yourself below another runner. Elite runners are not some higher breed. They're nothing special. They're just high school and college students that enjoy running like you. If you want to be like them then train to beat them. eventually your idols will become your rivals". As a cross country runner himself, Jacob believes that all it takes to become a cross country athlete are some shoes, a strong work ethic, and a desire to be great. I asked Jacob who was his greatest inspiration was and he said "My greatest inspiration is my dad. Without his help, there is no way i would be able to accomplish what I have done. He inspires me to work hard and to better myself in everything whether it be running related or as a person. He is the person I model myself after when I think about what type of person I want to become.

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