Carson Strickland doesn’t just run for Broken Arrow High School. He runs with purpose, driven by the camaraderie of his teammates and the pursuit of becoming the runner he aspires to be.

The junior Tigers distance runner will compete in the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter events this season, armed with what he considers his biggest improvement: mindset.

“My biggest improvement coming into the new season is my mindset,” Strickland said. “I have found new motivation to strive for my goals and create new ones.”

That mental shift separates good runners from great ones, especially in distance events where the battle is as much psychological as physical. Strickland acknowledges the challenge.

“The most difficult part about competing is staying in the right head space in races, especially after laying around all day,” he said.

Strickland draws inspiration from accomplished runners who’ve elevated the standard. Former Broken Arrow standouts Blake Feron and Noah Meacham, current teammate Julian Powers, and professional runner Cole Hocker represent the level he’s chasing.

“They are faster than me currently and they are people who I strive to be as a long-distance runner,” Strickland said.

But speed isn’t everything for the junior. Team chemistry fuels his competitive fire.

“I love how close we are as friends and the competitiveness in the team,” Strickland said.

His philosophy extends beyond the track, offering advice that applies to life’s challenges.

“Never give up, even when things are difficult,” Strickland said. “Try and have fun even if what you’re doing is hard.”

For Strickland, success isn’t measured solely in split times. It’s found in the friendships forged through shared suffering on training runs and the relentless pursuit of improvement.