By Chiann Nobrega
What BYU sophomore Derek Sorensen calls “positive psychology” has helped him prepare and execute his track events.
Saturday at the Pepsi Invitational, with heavy rain and wind sweeping through Hayward Field, adjusting to the conditions was a necessary action for Sorensen, especially since it was his first meet since high school in heavy rain.
“I really try to tell myself that I can run faster in the rain if need be,” Sorensen said.
This mental preparation and having a good attitude has worked so far, he believes. He described his personal approach as “knowing that everyone else is going to be running in the rain” and not counting himself out.
Sorensen finished second in the 200 meters at the Pepsi Team Invitational with a time of 21.07. This time topped his personal best of 21.11, which he acquired at the 2017 BYU Cougar Invitational.
Sorensen said he has “stuff” to build on but overall the race went well. He worked around the weather and coped with the torrential rainfall. He was also excited to run at Hayward field because he is there for the experience. This was Sorensen’s second 200 of the season, and he is only getting started.
Sorensen’s coaches wanted him to focus on the race itself and to go out to win and compete. Although this was a team event, Sorensen said he was definitely looking at his individual times and checking his marks. This will help him prepare for NCAA West regionals, which he believes he can qualify for.
Sorensen’s future includes the Mark Faldmo Invite at Utah State University next week, but more specifically “a long massage,” which he might have to fight the rest of his team for.
