Redmond High athletes Steve Brown and Claire Johnson may have sore calves, shins and thighs after soaring over hurdles and landing on the track during practices and meets, but the wear and tear on their bodies is all worth it.

Following Tuesday’s practice, the duo huffed and puffed a bit and seemed pleased with their workouts.

At press time, Brown held the second spot in 4A Kingco in both the 110-meters (15.49) and 300-meters (40.76) and Johnson was sixth in 4A Kingco in both the 100-meters (16.54) and 300-meters (50.08).

“It’s an adrenaline rush,” said Johnson, a junior, who adds that it’s a rewarding sport that she’s been involved with since the seventh grade. “You have fun and at the same time you reach your goals.”

Brown, who has been hurdling since the eighth grade, is a senior and in the midst of his fourth season as a Redmond High trackster.

“I’m trying to have a good (two months) left of high school and have all the hard work pay off,” said Brown, who sported a “Run Happy” T-shirt emblazoned with a gingerbread man and candy canes.

Last season, Brown nearly earned a state berth in the 110, but fell just 0.03 seconds short at the bi-district meet. Head coach Peter Whitmore noted that Brown still attended the state meet to soak up the atmosphere and motivate himself for this season.

“He’s an amazing leader of our team and is in line to have a good shot to go to state in both the 100 and 300s,” Whitmore said. “He’s a competitor and just likes to push himself to see what he can do in the sport.”

Brown, who is also the anchor runner on the 4×400-meter relay, said he puts maximum effort into every workout — whether it’s clearing a hurdle or running up a hill — because it could all make up for that 0.03 seconds and result in a state spot.

In last week’s meet against Inglemoor High, Brown squared off with the Vikings’ Jalen Woodley in both hurdles events. Brown triumphed in the 110 and Woodley took the 300; it was the first losses of the year for both athletes.

It was a crucial test for Brown to see where he stands in 4A Kingco.

“You’re really pushing each other,” said Brown, referring to both his competitors and teammates in a sport where everyone is friendly with each other. “It’s fun to see others do well.”

Mustang hurdles coach Anna Sturdivant said that Brown is a well-balanced athlete: equal parts fun and serious, and always motivated to make his mark.

As for Johnson, Sturdivant noted that her hurdler is always focused on improving her skills while providing encouragment for others along the way.

“She had a breakout season last year with huge drops in her times from her sophomore to junior years,” Whitmore said. “She’s willing to take on new workouts and new events that will enhance her conditioning.”

Johnson, who’s also a member of the 4×400 relay, is enjoying her time on the track and notching solid results all around.

“I’m trying to improve in all aspects of life with all my friends right by my side,” she said.