North Carolina State redshirt junior Nevada Mareno, the 2016 Foot Locker national runner-up and bronze medalist for the United States at the 2017 Great Edinburgh International Challenge, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss her return to the track March 26 to run a personal-best 4:17.32 in the 1,500 meters at the Raleigh Relays. Mareno, who had competed in only one race since placing fourth in the mile last year at the Atlantic Coast Conference Indoor Championships prior to competing at the Raleigh Relays, explains how significant it was to be competing at home, in addition to having her parents Janice and Jason watching from outside the stadium. She revisits returning to training in January following one 6-kilometer cross country race in September at Virginia Tech, and being able to regain confidence thanks to the support of her teammates and Wolfpack women's coach Laurie Henes. Mareno examines the impact that senior transfer Hannah Steelman, an All-American at Wofford, has had on the North Carolina State program, in addition to the presence of a strong freshman class that includes three-time Nike Cross Nationals winner Katelyn Tuohy, and her appreciation to be able to train with all of them. Mareno analyzes the performances of Steelman and Tuohy at both the Division 1 Indoor Championships on March 12 in Fayetteville, Ark., as well as the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Stillwater, Okla., and their abilities to earn All-America honors at both events. She reminisces about the runner-up finish of the Wolfpack at the cross country national meet, and the courageous performance of ACC individual champion Dominique Clairmonte, who competed despite recovering from mononucleosis. Mareno speaks about rebounding from injuries that have sidelined her for extended periods of her collegiate career, and for being able to resdiscover her passion for the sport and remain optimistic about her future opportunities. She also provides an update on pursuing her degree in fashion and textile management, which includes two minors as well, including business administration.