For Tuesdays with Toyota, we are spotlighting some of USATF's most dedicated members with a short feature on USATF.org and our social media channels. Here is our feature with USATF athlete Peter Haack, a member of the USATF Minnesota Association from La Crescent, Minnesota. Why are you a member of USATF? I love track and field. I love competing in track meets and meeting all of the wonderful people who also love this sport. It is such a great community who, even though we are competing with each other, are so supportive and truly want to see others succeed. I always say that it's not so much a competition against each other, but with each other. What is your "why"? I was diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency a few years ago which has caused me to develop emphysema. I was told by my doctor that the best thing I can do for my lungs is to exercise. I was already competing in track and field, but now I have a new focus to try to maintain as much lung function as I can as I get older. My goal is to continue to push through this condition and be as healthy and active as I can as I get older. What is something that helps you focus while you train? I like to set goals for the season and have some meets lined up. That gives me a timeline of where I need to be to reach my goals at various points in the season. If I set benchmarks of certain workouts and what my times should be in order to run a certain time at a meet, that really helps me to focus on where I am and where I want to be. How has USATF impacted you? Our local Minnesota Association has provided a number of meeting opportunities which have allowed me to meet many other Masters athletes. I love being able to cheer on the other athletes and see the remarkable performances they are able to achieve. It has also given me many opportunities to run in both National Championship events and exhibition events at the meets with the elite athletes. Outside USATF how do you spend your time? I am a video producer at a local medical center. I coach the sprinters on our local track team. I have two children who both compete in track and field. My son is a sophomore in college in the Twin Cities running the 200 and 400 meters, and my daughter is a Junior in high school competing in shot and discus. I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids and watching my kids participating in their activities as well as other kids that I coach in track and field. I also help our local football team with recording games. What is your favorite USATF memory? I think my favorite memory is last year at Millrose Games competing in the 40+ 4x400 relay. We were able to win the event and break the American record for M45. It was very exciting to be a part of a relay at such a professional event and to be able to set a national record. Is there an athlete or person who inspired you to join the sport?* One of my biggest influences in Masters Track & Field is Jim Schoffman. I met Jim many years ago at the Minnesota State Games track meets and eventually at USATF events. Jim has held numerous records and has been such a consistent presence at meets over the years. Jim is currently battling cancer, but still makes it to meets often after undergoing treatment days before competing. Jim has been one of the most inspiring people I know. Any time I am having a rough practice or meet, all I need to do is think about Jim and think about all of the obstacles he has faced over the years and how he continues to battle. *Peter Haack answered these questions in early 2024. Jim Schoffman passed away on August 18, 2024 following his battle with cancer.