What were some of the biggest obstacles adjusting from high school running to college running?
The biggest adjustment for me from high school to college has been the increase in the number of miles I have to run.
You’ve had some great early success. What are some the secrets to this?
I started off my college running career better than I could have ever hoped. By the second meet, I was running my best times ever. I think a lot of it has to do with the training. Coach Wadas really plans everything out for every practice. He works hard in order to set goals with you that are achievable yet will make you better.
Do you feel added pressure because of this early success?
Coming into college, there were no set expectations. I had no idea what the year would hold in regards to my running. I definitely feel as if there are expectations that I have to achieve now, but at the same time I know all I have to do is train hard and go out there and run. If I put in the effort at practices, everything else will just fall into place.
What are some your goals for the remainder of the season?
Because it is only my Freshman year, I have no idea what to expect. The only set goal I have is to keep getting better every race. My hope is to someday make it to Nationals, but I have the next three years to do that.
What are some goals your team have for one another?
Although cross country is about individual times, it still is a team sport. As a team, our goal is to provide support for each other. We try to hold each other accountable during work outs and races. We really are a support system for each other and have bonded over the season.
Do practices and preparation change both personally and team depending on opponents?
Because cross country focuses so much on individual times, we do not place as much of an emphasis on training based on opponents. Our training focuses on what will have us running our best times at conferences and regionals at the end of the season.
What is the number one thing you want to walk away with at seasons end?
I wanted to run in college because I thought I could run faster than I had in high school with the advanced training. I want to end this season knowing I was not wrong about being able to improve. As long as I keep dropping time, I’m happy.
Photo Courtesy of MU Athletics