With the weather in Iowa not acting like it’s spring just yet, one ISU runner is looking forward to going west to compete in Palo Alto, Calif. for the Stanford Invitational this weekend.

Mohamed Hrezi will be the lone Cyclone running in California while the rest of his team competes in Auburn, Ala.

“It makes it easier to live in Iowa, train here and know at the end of the week that you’re traveling somewhere warm to compete,” Hrezi said.

Hrezi is being sent to California to be apart of the loaded field of competition in the 10,000-meter run.

“The racing temperature will be nice and it will be cool to be there with all the competition,” Hrezi said.

Last year’s winner in this meet, All-American Parker Stinson from Oregon, will highlight the race with many other big names in the mix as well. Every year the event boasts more than 70 competitors that represent every major collegiate conference, with professionals also in the mix.

This will be the second weekend of outdoor competition for the ISU men’s track and field team following the indoor season. The early season is a little more important than usual for Hrezi, though.

This will be Hrezi’s last year, as he is entering his redshirt senior year. He also encountered a shorter indoor season compared to his teammates due to nagging injuries.

“I’ve been running a lot of miles these last four weeks and I’m ready to go,” Hrezi said.

With a big opportunity on the horizon, the objective for him in California is simple.

“I want to finish the race with a [personal record],” Hrezi said. “The goal is to qualify for regionals.”

Last season marked Hrezi’s best time for the 10,000-meter when he ran a 29:25.17 at the Big 12 championships. The time earned him All-Big 12 honors and fifth place.

“I’m looking to run a 28-something,” Hrezi said. “It’s all about putting myself in a good situation and crushing that last mile.”

Hrezi is used to the long races since he competes for the Cyclones in cross-country as well. He was named an NCAA All-American last season but recognized how difficult the 10,000-meter event can be.

“The last 5K hurts. I have to put myself in the zone and hopefully I’m in a comfortable situation going into the last 5K,” Hrezi said. “I need to find my little island at the start and be in a groove.”

Competition is scheduled to start Friday, but Hrezi will not compete until Saturday evening.

“I’m in a position to finally put the team on my back,” Hrezi jokingly said. “The coaches decided to only send me, which is cool. Hopefully, I’ll make the trip worth it.”