When did you start running? Talk about your transition to the high school team and your first impressions.
I first started running during Winter of my eighth grade year. I was a soccer player prior, and so the switch to running was so much easier than I thought. I really enjoyed practices as soon as I started, so I actually made the decision to not return for my Spring season of soccer and switch completely to running full time. My first impressions of the team was that the girls were extremely nice and mellow, which was not an atmosphere that I was used to in soccer (was full of unhealthy competition and cliques).
What was your most regrettable or embarrassing XC moment or race?
I once stopped running all together during XC regionals of my freshman year. I had made the top seven for regionals, and I was so upset that I had not raced what I wanted at all. I ended up finishing the race which was better than nothing, but I was so embarrassed (of course the girls on the team did not care and were so supportive regardless).
What is your proudest XC accomplishment (this does not have to be a performance)?
Probably State XC meet of 2019. I had a really bad sinus infection, cough and cold for months prior that never seemed to ease up, or when it did, only for a few days. I ran with everything I had during that race (which wasn't much to be honest) because I wanted to provide as much for my team as I could. Although the race was by no means my strongest, I managed to PR and place All-State for my team. I didn’t give up, which is something that I would have done years prior.
What are you looking forward to this season?
I am looking to form as strong of a bond with our team as we can. We are going to need that to get our motivation levels up in spite of the many setbacks we will face this season regarding competition. It is important for me to be able to get to know all members of the team (many of which I already know and love), especially for my final year at WAHS.
What do you love about the team?
I love the overall energy that this team has, which is filled with not only positive outlooks on almost any situation, but also humor that arises during many practices. I love to be able to joke around with people even when things get hard during workouts or races. I also love the unconditional and genuine support that everyone gives their teammates, whether they just had the worst or best race of their life. This team is one of the most genuine and happy outlets that I have.
What has become one of your (non-running) pandemic obsessions (maybe obsession is too strong a word- what are you into that's not running)?
I got into art again around April, and have been trying to keep up with that. I love to paint so that is most likely my favorite type. I have been planting absurd amounts of flowers and plants, which was awesome to do with the time on my hands. I also picked up a book (shocker) and I recommend it to all (called Let Your Mind Run). It's a memoir by Deena Kastor, who ran in the Olympic marathon and was considered one of the best female runners of her time. She talks about not only her physical strength but her mental strength journey, and how they go hand-in-hand for runners.
If you were to give advice to girls just joining the team or some of the younger runners, what would that be?
Don’t give up and take care of your needs. It's not an easy sport by any means. You will struggle and have hardships; every runner on the planet does. But speaking for myself, running is easily one of the most rewarding things that I have ever started in my life, and it has taught me so much in regards to teamwork, strength, and perseverance. It has overall bettered me as a person. You don’t want to give this up! You have three amazing coaches and a full team of incredible athletes who are behind you. You also have to remember that you owe it to yourself to not only work hard but also respect your body and mind’s needs. This starts with healthy nutrition and mindful thoughts to help get you through the stressors that running can exert on you. Anyone of the coaches or girls on the team are here to guide you with advice on anything!