The sophomore runner has finished first in all four of her cross country races this fall (as of Oct. 10). At the 58th Delaware County championships Oct. 8 she cruised to victory in 18:42.20 to become the first Haverford runner to win the title since Tess Meehan in 2012; at the recent Paul Short Run Brown race she posted a school record time of 17:42; she finished first at the Unionville 2-Mile Bash by a wide margin; and was first in the only Central League dual meet she competed in this fall (as of Oct. 10). Last spring, she finished first in the girls 800 meter run at the PIAA District 1 3A track championships, and was part of the 4×400 relay that won a medal. Off the track, she has participated in Best Buddies, and now is involved with an organization called Haverford Against Hunger.
Q: What was the key to your first-place finish at the Paul Short Run?
A: The key to my race plan was being patient. I wanted to stay conservative throughout the first two miles, then make a move throughout mile 3. Towards the end, when I reached the sight of the finish line, I made my kick to win the race.
Q: What is your favorite memory of your cross country season so far this fall?
A: My favorite memory this season so far was Paul Short, it was an amazing experience having my whole team there supporting me. Our team placed sixth and it was such a fun time with my teammate, Camryn McGeehan, we both had such big PR’s and I am so excited to continue our high school careers together. Another thing I love is the team aspect. I very much enjoy Haverford’s get-togethers, it is truly a great environment.
Q: What is your favorite memory of the PIAA track championships last spring?
A: This race was very close and exciting, as Ella Woehlcke and I went neck-and-neck until the end. My favorite memory from this meet was definitely having a 30-minute break after my 800 till the 4×400. I love relays – they make the team experience even better. Our relay also medaled at states and we finished as state runner ups as a team. My first state meet, winning two medals, was definitely one of my best life memories. It was such a great team experience and brought a lot of joy to end off the meet.
Q: What sparked your original interest in cross country? Who have been your most influential cross country coaches/mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: It all started with my Mom, she was a runner, also my very first coach and has always supported me and inspired me to be the best. My current coaches, Coach Clinton and Coach Comstock, made me realize how important the team aspect of this sport is. Last, I am greatly inspired by the Coaches from Colorado, the lectures that were provided at the Team Prep camp have truly impacted this fall season.
Q: Tell us a little about your running shoes, the type of shoe you favor and why.
A: I train with my Brooks Adrenaline throughout all three seasons because they provide the most support. For workouts/tempos, I use my Nike ZoomX VaporFly because these shoes are great for speed. For racing, I use my Nike Dragonfly as they are the fastest spikes on the market.
Q: What’s your favorite local running venue and why?
A: Johnny’s Run for Life because I have participated in this event countless times with my CYO St. Pius team since I was a little kid.
Q: Tell us a little about your current cross country practice regimen. What aspect of your running are you working on most recently?
A: This past summer, I trained in Colorado with Team Prep. This camp put me in a great position to start off the season. I also have been focusing on quality versus quantity – I learned that less is more. As of now, my training follows around 30-35 miles a week, including intervals, primers, tempos and multiple recovery days. One of the most important factors I have learned is that stretching after practice and rolling is very important, also adding strength twice a week is on my weekly schedule.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-race preparation on the day of a race.
A: I love to listen to music, especially during walkthroughs and bus rides. My warmup is pretty simple, I start with a five-minute easy run, then right into my stretches and drills. After I stretch and feel ready, I begin my 15 minute steady run which is around a 7:15 pace. I include striders before as well. The night before, my mom always cooks pasta and I do cryotherapy, compression sleeves, and massage gun for a full recovery. Plus, race hair in braids is a must.
Q: What is your favorite academic subject at Haverford?
A: My favorite subject in school is English and art classes.
Favorite book: Reminders Of Him by Colleen Hoover.
Favorite pre-race pump-up song: Country Girl (Shake It For Me) by Luke Bryan.
Favorite place to visit: Florida.
Favorite pre-race meal: Eggs on toast, avocado, and banana.
Person I most admire, and why: “Emma Coburn because she never gives up, she always fights till the end and I aspire to be like her.”
Family members: Mom, Dad, brother Allen, dog Marley.
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
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