In the running for a title

"She's a very hard worker and I love training with her," Martinez says. "She has so much heart and she just pushes herself. She's very upbeat about everything that she does and I'm very grateful that she's my teammate.

"She lives all the way in Santa Clarita and I do appreciate her driving every day out here — I know it must be a challenge for her. She's just so determined."

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Zamudio's track season has been filled with second- and third-place finishes — she also earned a victory in the 1,500 at the Western State Conference Inland meet at Bakersfield College on March 30 — although Zamudio admits to being a little intimidated by her competition early on.

"I know for track in the beginning of the season I was really nervous because the girls at this level are just so competitive and everyone is so talented," Zamudio says. "To go against them once or twice in one day, it's a lot of stress to deal with."

The only tension Zamudio is likely to feel now is the butterflies that come with being a favorite for a state crown. And no matter what happens this weekend, Zamudio has already gained a newfound appreciation for her talents and how far they can take her.

"I really do love the sport now," Zamudio says. "Even though we train twice as hard, and compete with much more competitive people, I would never give it up now.

"The coaching definitely made it more rewarding and especially working with my teammates. We're friends on and off the track and it really makes a difference having supportive people with you when you're competing or when you're not."

gabriel.rizk@latimes.com