Kaua’i’s top distance runner, Shauna Tachibana, hasn’t changed much since her freshman year. She still wants her running to lead to a college scholarship, she still buries the KIF in the 1500 and 3000-meter races and she still has the
Kaua’i’s top distance runner, Shauna Tachibana, hasn’t changed much since her freshman year.
She still wants her running to lead to a college scholarship, she still buries the KIF in the 1500 and 3000-meter races and she still has the talent to become one of the best distance runners in the State.
But over the course of the last year, Tachibana has waged a battle with her mind that threatens to topple what should become a successful high school career.
Much like the sun, Tachibana is as bright as ever, but slowly burning out.
“Shauna still has what it takes,” said Red Raider distance coach Richard Matsumoto. “She has a great work ethic, she has the tools, but she is not winning the mental battle…she is losing her drive.”
Tachibana’s slipping times may have caused her recent frustration. She ran the 3000 in 11:51.5 her freshman year, but has only run as low as a 12:08.76 (Radford Meet) her sophomore year.
Tachibana admits her performance this year hasn’t helped her state of mind.
“All I think about is, ‘when is this going to end,'” said Tachibana of races she’s run this year. “I only enjoy it when it’s over.”
Coaches and onlookers agree Tachibana still has the ability, but is currently fighting the demons that come with individual sports like track. They say her long competitive season, which included soccer in the fall and cross country in the winter, may have worn down the runner, who some have predicted could place the highest of any KIF runner at the State level.
“Shauna’s had alot to deal with this year,” said Matsumoto. “She needs a summer to get away from it all and clear her mind so she can come back fresh.”
Tachibana isn’t going to call it a season just yet. She has qualified (with ease) in the 800-meter, 1500-meter, and 3000-meter races for the KIF State Championships this year, and has a good chance of making the final eight in each event.
Still a sophomore, Tachibana has only the mind game to win at this point. It’s a good thing she has time on her side.
“Shauna can still get herself back into it, but it will take time,” said Matsumoto, noting Tachibana is still the league’s best at 15-years-old. “Once the desire comes back, the times will come back and she can challenge the top State runners.”
