What major are you?
I’m an English major on the Professional Writing Track.
How long have you been running track?
I’ve been running track since seventh grade. I had run cross-country for my junior high team, so track was just the next step in keeping up with running all year long.
What are some personal records you’ve accomplished in the past if any?
A lot of my personal records have been run over the past two years. I ran 5:05 in the mile and 10:25 in the 3k last year. This year I’ve run 17:55 in the 5k and 3:05 in the 1000m. I ranmy fastest indoor 800 (2:20) two meets ago as well. My personal favorite PR was in the 1500m last year during outdoor track. I ran 4:39, which both broke my PR… and my leg.
What did you do to prepare yourself for the upcoming season?
For this track season, I was coming in having already run a full season of cross-country. I built a lot of base mileage over winter break with a couple workouts thrown in towards the end of the break. We had a meet back in early December, where I ran the mile. That gave me a good idea of where I was in terms of speed for middle distance races. I had spent the past six or so months training to run 6ks (3.7 miles) for cross, so running an all out mile was quite different. I knew I was going to still be running the 5k at some point during the season, which my mileage wasn’t going to be dropping much once I came back to school.
How do you feel the team has been doing so far this season?
The team has been doing awesome this season so far! I’m honestly so proud of how much we’ve already accomplished up to this point. We’ve been ranked in the top ten in the Mideast Region for most of the season so far. I also know that we have a couple people and a relay ranked nationally. Plus, we’ve had many people who have PRed in their events. It’s all very exciting! And I know that we’re headed to more great things as the season progresses!
What do you feel the team needs to improve on?
I can’t think of anything specific our team really needs to improve on. We all work well together and cheer each other on. All I can say is that we all need to keep working hard to improve our times, jumps and distances.
What do you feel you need to improve on as individual?
As an individual, I need to work on not going out so fast at the beginning of my races. I have tendency to run to way too fast for at least the first 200 meters before I slow down. I need to learn to calm down for the start of races.
What is easier for you, indoor or outdoor track and why?
Practice wise, outdoor track is so much easier. The indoor track we practice on is very cramped with the whole team there and often painful to run on because the turns are so sharp. Mentally, I actually prefer indoor because, even though the laps are doubled, the laps are so quick that the race just flies by. Plus, there are more opportunities to hear splits and try to adjust your pace. Physically, it’s a lot easier to run faster in outdoor. There are less turns during races and the straightaways are longer, so it’s a lot easier to start picking up the pace. In other words, both have their pros and cons.
What are some goals you have set for this season?
Personally, I’d like to break 5 minutes in the indoor mile and run under 4:40 again in the 1500m (without breaking my leg). Those have been two constant goals I’ve kept for myself. As a team, I just would like to see us run, jump, and throw our absolute bests. Whether we win MACs or don’t win MACs, if we go out there, perform at the level we know we’re capable of, and never give up, I’d be very happy with the team.
You’re a senior, so what are your plans for after you graduate?
While I don’t have anything entirely set in stone yet, I plan to apply for openings in the writing field. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the most interesting form of writing, but as long as I’m given the chance to write, I’ll be good.
Photo Courtesy of MU Athletics