Harper McClain, a senior at St. Helena High in California and an Oregon signee, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing in the mile and 3,200 meters April 9-10 at the NIKE Chandler Rotary Invitational in Arizona. McClain, a 2019 Division 5 state cross country champion and Nike Cross Nationals finalist, hasn't competed in a competitive 1,600 or mile race since 2019 and boasts a 5:01.04 personal best, along with running 10:29.68 in the 3,200. McClain, who placed 13th in the girls 15-18 division Dec. 5 representing Loomis Elite at the AAU Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Fla., revisits her past two 3,200 races in Arizona. She produced a 10:39.52 effort Feb. 27 and ran 10:35.57 on March 27 as part of the Sundown Track Series organized by Newbury Park coach Sean Brosnan. She expresses gratitude for NIKE Chandler Rotary Invitational meet director Dave Shapiro creating an open/unattached/club section for both days, allowing athletes from California and Colorado to be able to compete during the pandemic without compromising eligibility for the spring outdoor season. McClain analyzes the workouts she has been completing with junior Riley Chamberlain of Del Oro, and how they have been challenging one another with intense training when races haven't been available in California. She shares her emotions after learning the North Coast Section would not be holding its annual postseason Meet of Champions, thus eliminating the opportunity to qualify for a state track and field championship meet. McClain examines the missed opportunities of not being able to participate in her last state cross country final and the past two state track and field championships. She reacts to the opening of Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., and the Hayward Premiere meet April 2-3, and her excitement for competing there during her collegiate career under the guidance of Ducks women's cross country and distance coach Helen Lehman-Winters.

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