Sara's attempt at being a musician

If my mum, Mercedes, has a life motto it would be: “There’s a song for that.” Bad day? “Let’s put on A quién le importa.” Cooking dinner? “I have the perfect song of Melendi.” She has spent years trying to drill into my siblings and me that music is not just background noise; it is a way of understanding life. Born in Asturias in the 1970s, she grew up in a house where music was as essential as bread and her father’s very strong opinions on what constituted real music. I had a video call with her to unpack her musical journey.  Me: What is music for you?  Merce: Music is memory. It is the reason your grandfather once threw a shoe at the radio. I would never forget. It is emotion. It is how I connect to parts of myself I do not always know how to reach. When I hear Raphael’s voice, I am not just listening to a song. I’m back in my father’s house, watching him close his eyes and feel the music in a way he never could with words.  Me: Wow. I wasn’t expecting that answer, and...

Music has always been an essential part of my life, but it really holds significance when it comes to running. Whether I’m getting through a though training session or getting ready for a cross-country meet, my playlist is as important as my warm-up routine.  For me, it is not just background noise; it gets me in the right mindset and brings back memories of some of my best races.  One song I always play when I run is “La Ultima” by Quevedo. I am sure that not everyone will know him, but he has always been part of my pre-race rituals. There is something in its rhythm that keeps me locked in. It builds up in a way that feels like a race, pushing harder as the song picks up energy. It helps me focus more than anything else.  Then there is “Fergalicious” by Fergie, an absolute must on my pre-race playlist. I first heard this song after I moved to the States, thanks to one of my teammates (thank you Peyton) and instantly became part of my routine. It has this high- energy bea...

Hi all! I’m Sara and I’m a freshman here at Converse. I’m originally from a small town in the north of Spain, known for its coastal landscapes (and no, Spain is NOT in Mexico; I had to cross the ocean). Asturias is famous for its green mountains and unpredictable weather; you can experience all four seasons in a single day! Coming to the States has always been a dream for me, and now that I’m here, it feels surreal to finally be living it! But I must admit, I was scared to face it at first. It's such a big opportunity that you just can’t easily find in Spain.   Running has been a big part of my life since I started in 6th   grade, and it is something that still motivates me every day. I compete in cross country and track, which not only keeps me active but also allows me to spend a lot of time outdoors, something I really enjoy. Running has also taught me discipline and perseverance, qualities that have shaped me both on and off the track.  Outside of running, I’m double ...