ATHLETE FEATURE

KATIE CAMARENA - PROGRESS IN MOTION

The best athletes are defined not just by success, but by resilience.

Trials of Frustration

At the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, Katie crossed the line of the Women’s 5,000m race in a time of 16:37.78, finishing in 14th out of 15 in her preliminary heat. A week later she returned to race the 10,000m, finishing 19th out of 22 in 32:58.80. Both results were well off her personal bests and far from where she’d hoped to be. She left Eugene feeling frustrated, physically drained, and mentally defeated.

These feelings weren’t entirely new to Katie as she lined up in Hayward Field last July. It had been a rough buildup to the Trials after getting injured at the World XC Championships at the end of March. Instead of the usual buildup - base phase, steady mileage progression, gradual increase of workout intensity - Katie took what she termed as a “panic fitness” approach. She did all she could to be at her best for the Trials, but as any runner dealing with injury learns, the body works on its own timeline. Neither health nor fitness came as quickly as she would’ve liked, which Katie said at times “felt like I was ramming my head into a wall”.

Through Setback, Lies Growth.

While the ending of last season surely stung, Katie eventually found some positives. Overall, she views 2024 as a big year of growth. Racing is always challenging, but it’s even more difficult when you know you’re not at 100%. Putting yourself out there takes guts, and Katie recalls the feelings of discomfort and vulnerability that came as an accompaniment to racing last year. But through those experiences, she gained a new understanding of herself as an athlete.

New Goals, New Perspective

Katie entered this year with more motivation than ever to chase her goals. She sat down in January and made a list of what she wanted to accomplish, which included:

• Make another World XC team (finish top 6 at USA XC in December)

• Run personal bests in every event 1500 through 10,000m

• Qualify for USAs in the 5,000 and 10,000 and be competitive in those races

• Be top 5 at USA Road 5K Championships

• Regain confidence in racing

So far, Katie has set new personal bests in every distance she’s raced this year (1500, 3000, 5000, 10,000), while also qualifying for the USA Track & Field Championships in both the 5,000 and 10,000. Through she just missed her USA road 5K goal, she still came away with an impressive 6th place finish. As for regaining confidence, Katie says it’s a work in progress, but something that’s getting better with every workout and race.

Moving Forward

Aside from not dealing with injury, Katie says the main difference in the runner she is this year compared to last year is confidence and happiness. She credits her environment of supportive teammates, shoes that she loves to train and race in (s/o Saucony), and really just a combination of many things, for being able to bounce back and regain her rhythm in running.

Though Katie has made tremendous strides this year, she’s far from finished. Next up, she’ll line up in the 1500 at the Sound Running Sunset Tour on July 12, aiming to sharpen up for the U.S. Championships later that month (July 31–August 3). She has big goals and expectations, but her focus remains in the present — executing workouts, prioritizing recovery, and giving herself grace when the miles get tough. Whatever the results may be, Katie is stepping to the line with more joy, confidence, and clarity than ever before. Her journey is a reminder that progress isn’t always linear, but with patience and persistence, it’s never as far as you think.

KATIE’S TRAINING TIP

Consistency Is Key 🔑

Success in running really comes when you show up regularly. It’s not about crushing every run, but building a habit, every run (even just a short easy run!) adds up. Stacking a few days or weeks (or years!) is the most valuable thing you can do. Try building running into your regular routine to help the habit stick!

WORKOUT OF THE WEEK

Katie’s Favorite Workout For Strength

The beauty of the Mile exists in its perfect medley of strength and speed. In a training block, building up strength is the initial focus. Here’s one of Katie’s favorite workouts for developing aerobic strength for the mile. Go ahead and try it out! Especially if you’re gearing up for the Meridia Mile in August 😉 

Fartlek: 6-4-2-6-4-2 (minutes). 1 min rest between all.

Effort for 6 minute reps should be threshold level (~80-85% of race pace effort), also described as being "comfortably hard”. You can increase pace slightly for 4 & 2 minute reps. The rest minute can be a slow jog, walk or standing! 

(Feel free to adjust the total workout volume depending on your fitness and experience level)