Every Tuesday at 6:50 p.m. during the high school year, we feature a team or athlete with our TRIA Prep Salute.

This week’s salute recognizes Roseville senior distance runner and state champion Robert Mechura. He surely goes the extra mile when competing, and in the kitchen.

Our Alec Ausmus spent time with Mechura to learn all about how he’s become one of the best high school distance runners in the U.S.

***Click the video box above to watch the 5-Eyewitness News aircheck of Alec’s story ***

“He’s the best in a couple of different categories, he’s the most talented runner I’ve ever coached,” said Mechura’s head coach Brian Bailey.

Mechura won an individual Class 3A cross country state title last fall as a junior. He also won a Nike regional race and continues to climb as one of the top runners in the country.

“My big thing last year, my motto was not putting limits on myself,” said Mechura. “When I didn’t do that I kind of exceeded some expectations on what I thought I could do.”

Mechura had a first-place victory this season before the school year even started, he also set a course record in that race.

His record-setting finishes set him apart from his peers, then there is his diet. There isn’t much fast food or junk food for this 17-year-oild.

Mechura is a vegan, and eats a plant-based diet. He is the only one in his family that eats that way, and has forced a teenager to learn how to cook. He often has to prep his meals before traveling to compete.

“My mom has been really helpful with it helping me meal prep,” Mechura said. “I think her combined with me doing our research, she is really good about making sure there is something for me to eat.”

Mechura will run for the University of North Carolina next year.