After setting the school’s track and field record in the 1,000 meters and then breaking his record twice while holding multiple titles, senior, Ryan Martin is excited for his final track season.

“I hope to make up for the last three years,” Martin said. “I want to win nationals this year which may sound crazy, but I am motivated to do so.”

Running a 2:23:17, Martin broke his own record in the 1,000 meters on January 20, 2024 at the Corky Classic at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas.

On Thursday, Feb. 1, the long-distance team is headed to Boston and Martin is competing in the 800 meters. “The past week before traveling to Boston practice has been intense,” Martin said.

Setting goal times during Wednesday, Jan. 31, practice was important for Martin. He is looking at hitting a 1:46 in the 800 by the end of indoor season, March 8 through 9.

The training is similar between seasons but there is more intense outdoor training. The indoor track season has prepared Martin to push for new personal records during the outdoor season.

“Competing between your body and your mind, in your brain you always want to go, but your body says hold off,” Martin said.

Coach Khadevis Robinson, who was hired in July 2022, inspired Martin to take on new leadership roles during the transition period.

Robinson creates an overall strong culture within the entire track and field team. Each athlete can be themselves and feel valued as an individual and have a sense of team culture.

Looking back at his freshman year, Martin was eager to make the culture of the team welcoming.

“As a freshman I got so worked up for the races, then I would compete and realize, what did I spend days worrying for?,” Martin said. “As long as you do your best and most of all enjoy it, you’ll be fine.”

As a leader Martin wants to set a relaxed tone for the first-years. “When I have more fun, I run better. That’s the message I want to send to them,” Martin said.

Robinson is a TCU alumnus and was successful in his running career. In addition to holding multiple school records, he was the TCU Male Athlete of the Year in 1998.

Martin said how eager Robinson is to have his athletes beat his school records, which Martin did in the 1,000. “It would mean just as much to him to have a runner he coached break his record rather than himself,” Martin said.

After finishing this final push for improvement, Martin plans to end his track career after this season. “You are going to run well because it is your last shot,” Martin tells himself.

These words keep him focused on his goal to win the national title before graduating.

After graduation in May, Martin plans to start his professional career with his double major degree in economics and mathematics. “I am excited to experience life outside of track,” Martin said.

He has no plans to run professionally but wants to stay involved with the TCU track and field team after graduating. Martin is setting a new goal: being just a fan.