The pressure is off, for now, which makes running more fun for freshman distance runner Genevieve LaCaze.
Last weekend, the cross-country and now track and field standout, broke her freshman record in the women's 1500-meter run in an NCAA regional-qualifying time of 4:20.90.
The mark was the second regional-qualifying time for LaCaze, who also qualified for the NCAA Regional Championships in the women's steeplechase during the Florida Relays.
LaCaze is happy to have gotten the regional-qualifying marks off her mind and she will focus on getting better, without the added pressure, this weekend in the Penn Relays.
"I'm glad I got that out of the way early," LaCaze said. "Now I'm just racing for enjoyment, which I probably do best, and to see if I can get better leading into the bigger races."
The Australian-born LaCaze is unfamiliar with the magnitude and hype that is placed on the upcoming Penn Relays, but has heard enough from her teammates and seen enough pictures to create a mental image of what to expect.
From the information she received, LaCaze understands that this weekend's meet will be on a grand stage but because of her health and her outstanding start to the outdoor season, she isn't worried. Instead she looks forward to competing in and enjoying her first Penn Relays.
"Everything has just been going right now, no injuries as of yet. I've improved every time I've raced, which is really positive for me and it only makes me want to race more."
When LaCaze takes the track this weekend, she will not feel like she needs to break another record or blow the competition away. She has already gotten the regional-qualifying monkey off her back so she will be more focused on having a stress-free time in Pennsylvania.
"I make sure I don't put too much pressure on myself, because if I do start feeling like I have to do a PR every time I race, it will only stress me out and make me feel upset if I don't make it," LaCaze said.
"If I go in there with no expectations, I'll come out being happy no matter what."
Competition begins, for UF, Thursday at noon.
