In a post‑race interview conducted by James from ASPE, Fatima Cortes of Great Oak Temecula reflects on her fourth‑place finish in the girls varsity 800 m. She explains that a poor start forced her to expend extra energy, leaving her legs fatigued in the final 100 m, but she views the race as a learning experience. Fatima outlines her season objectives: a personal‑record (PR) in the mile, a strong placement at the state meet, and competing in the 800 m at CIF, targeting a sub‑2:10 time. She discusses training setbacks caused by a foot tweak early in the season, noting that her conditioning has improved since then. Her favorite workout is 400‑meter repeats, and she shares a fun personal fact—she’s a big Harry Potter fan. The interview concludes with congratulations and best wishes for the rest of her track season.
James from ASPE here with Fatima Cortes from Great Oak Temecula. She got 4th for the girls varsity 800. How did the race go for you?
Um, it wasn't my best race. I didn't start out that great, and I think I wasted too much energy trying to make up for what I didn't get in the start, but it was definitely a learning experience, and I think I can do better next time.
How did you feel out there?
Um, I felt fine the first lap, but it was pretty fast, and it's just the last 100 where I really started to feel it in my legs.
Uh, what are some of your goals and, uh, plans going into the race, and were you able to execute them?
Um, I just wanted to try to maintain a good position in the front, but that didn't really work out when I started out in the back. And, um, I just wanted to try to finish as strong as I could, which I think I did, but I think there is always room for improvement.
Definitely. So what are some things that you learned today?
Just to get a better start because I didn't start out that great and not to waste my energy and freak out.
What are some of your goals for the track season that you want to accomplish?
I want to try to PR in the mile again and place at state. State, and then I'm looking to do the 800 CIF, so just try to do as good as I can there.
Is there any specific times that you want to hit?
Um, I want to break 2:10.
Nice. Um, how's your training, your fitness been for this track season?
Um, I started out a little rough because I had a bit of a, um, tweak in my, um, foot, and I didn't want to mess it up and, um, mess up my CIF season, so I was just trying to make sure nothing would get any worse. So my training in January, February wasn't the strongest, but it's been getting to where I want to be.
What is your favorite workout?
I think my favorite workout would have to be 400 repeats.
And what is one fun fact about yourself?
I'm a big fan of Harry Potter. Nice.
Well, congratulations, best of luck with track season, and thank you for your time.
