Johnson shattering records for Mansfield
It seems like every time Justen Johnson hits the track, he's breaking a Mansfield school record.
First it was the 400 meter record. Next came the record in the 60 meters. An hour later he nearly broke the 500 record.
"I feel pretty good," he said. "I feel strong this year. I have worked a lot on my strength, speed and endurance."
The biggest achievement this year came at the Armory in NYC when Johnson became the first Mansfield runner to go sub 49 during the indoor season, going 48.73.
"It's huge, I've never run sub 49 during the indoor season since I've been here," Johnson said. "It felt so good. It feels so good to run that well. It's something I was working toward."
A year ago Johnson was part of a distance medley relay team that nearly earned a spot in nationals.
While the season was a success, Johnson wants to finish things off this year at nationals.
"Last year we had a lot of great races, but unfortunately we came up a little short," Johnson said. "This year I am definitely trying to get good work in and get there (nationals.).
"That's what my focus is on this year."
One of the challenges is trying to make it to nationals on his own in an open event, rather than with the help of teammates.
"It's a lot harder, but I definitely want to make it," he said. "It's what I am working toward. It's huge. I have worked so hard. Last year was not easy not making it. I worked really hard so I could come back strong this year."
One of the things that continues to motivate Johnson is watching someone like Brenae Edwards make it to nationals and wondering what that experience would be like for himself.
"Brenae is a great motivation," Johnson said. "I hear the stories about how nationals was. It really makes you want to go."
While getting the school records in the 60 and 400 has been nice, Johnson has a goal to add even more records to his list of accomplishments.
"By the time I'm done I'd like to have both the 200 and 500 records," he said. "I have to keep wanting it and keep pushing hard to get better and better."
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