When did you start running track?

I started running track for the first time at the end of March this year.

What events do you run?

I’m doing long distance. I’ll most likely be doing the 800 and 1 mile runs. So far I’ve only ran the 800, but I think I’ll be running the mile soon. I enjoy long distance more than sprinting because I like going at my own pace for a longer period of time.

Why did you start running track?

I‘m new to this school this year, and I wanted to meet people and get involved in the school somehow. I also really like sports and being active, and even though I’ve never really been a runner I just wanted to try it out.

Where did you go to school before you came to Park?

I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, and I went to school there all my life until last fall when I went to boarding school in Pennsylvania for the first semester of junior year. Then I came to St. Louis Park in December and started school here the first day of second semester.

Do you think joining track has helped ease the transition so far?

Yes it is helping a lot because I’ve met a lot of people and been able to learn more about the school. Also running helps relieve stress and it makes me feel better.

What are your thoughts about Park so far?

Well so far it’s been really hard making all these adjustments, especially coming from a place I grew up with such a different culture, and so much family and so many friends. I am happy I got to come to such a diverse school, it makes things a lot easier having people from around the world to talk to, because that’s the kind of place I grew up in. When I started it was really hard coming to such a big school but people have been really nice and it’s getting better, although I still miss my family and friends like crazy.

Did you have a sport similar to track in Saudi Arabia?

We have track in Saudi and other sports they have here.

Did you run track while you lived in Saudi Arabia?

No, I played soccer. It was all year long for me and I didn’t have time to do track.

What have you enjoyed most about track so far?

I like how it’s pretty relaxed, and how everyone can go at their own pace.