The following interview with Golden Valley High School runner Chelsey Totten was conducted Nov. 15 by Brandon Jauregui, whose “Brando’s Blog” can be found online [here].

Brando’s Blog: When did you start running competively?

Totten: I did my first season of track in fourth grade for the Warriors.

Brando’s Blog: You’ve made huge improvements over the last year, in both cross country and track. What have you done differently compared to other cross country and track seasons?

Totten: What has helped me the most is just being more older, stronger and more experienced.

Brando’s Blog: You ran 17:18 at the Mt. SAC Invitational in late-October. Only Saugus’ Kaylin Mahoney, Karis Frankian and Shannon Murakami have run faster on the SCV high school all-time list. What were your immediate thoughts following the race and how does it feel to be among the all-time greats in Santa Clarita?

Totten: After the race, I was REALLY surprised and excited! I really never thought of my time being among the fastest in the SCV, so I’m happy about that.

Brando’s Blog: What are your goals as a team and as an individual heading into this Saturday’s CIF Southern Section Division 2 Finals?

Totten: This Saturday I want to run my best for my team. Hopefully that means a personal record too. We want to qualify for state!

Brando’s Blog: How is the college process going?

Totten: The whole college process has been very exciting and fun. I am trusting that God will direct me to the right school and I know wherever he sends me will be the perfect fit.

Brando’s Blog: You ran 2:10, 4:53 and 11:14 during the spring … Any goals for the upcoming track season?

Totten: This track season I am looking forward to setting some new PR’s and most of all, supporting my team. We are going to have alot of talent this track season so I’m looking forward to the team aspect.

Brando’s Blog: How has your older brother, Seth, and twin sister, Weslie, had an impact in your running career?

Totten: My brother and sister have had a huge impact on my running experience. I have learned so much from my brother just by watching him. He’s really taught me how important the little things are in running and has set a great example. Running without Weslie would be completely different. I have really never done anything without her, so running with her only seems right. Whenever she’s not on a run with me it’s always really quiet … She told me to write that she’s funnier than me, too (hahaha)!

Brando’s Blog: Who do you look up to the most?

Totten: I look up to my brother the most. Just by watching his running career through high school and college I have learned what to do and what not to do. He’s taught me to dream big, even if other people think it’s a little crazy and to work hard on the little things. He’s very supportive and encouraging. If he can’t make it to one of my races, he always calls after to ask how I did.

Brando’s Blog: After you graduate next year, how do you want to be remembered at Golden Valley High and in Santa Clarita? In other words, what legacy do you want to leave behind for others?

Totten: I would like to leave a legacy more on the kind of person I am than the times I run because people are always going to be running faster than me. Times will come and go, but I think I would like people to remember me for other reasons besides just running.

Brando’s Blog: What suggestions or comments would you give a freshman runner just entering high school?

Totten: Enjoy running! There are people out there who would like to run, but aren’t able, so just be thankful you have the opportunity and are able to run.