What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable race was the region meet my sophomore year. I really wanted to win and I was really nervous. We took off at the start, and at about the half mile point, I started to break away from the pack. I held that lead for a bit and then during the last mile, I kept looking behind me for the second place girl. I didn’t see her until we were in the last 100 meters and I glanced over my shoulder. She ended up being right behind me and almost passed me at the end, but I ended up holding her off and became the region champion.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
Honestly, my biggest competition was faced everyday at practice. All throughout my years of running, we have had our top group of girls fairly close together in times, so our biggest competitors would always be each other, racing for the top spots on the team/racing to be on varsity for the upcoming meet.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
Out of all my high school accomplishments, being part of the state championship team as a freshman stands out the most. Our top girls worked extremely hard that season and it was great to see all of our hard work pay off. Being a region champion also stands out too.
If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?
I would probably push myself a little harder than I did. I got to a pace in practice and in races that was “comfortable” for me and just kind of stayed there. When faster times started getting more comfortable, I wish I would have pushed to become “uncomfortable” again if that makes sense, so that my times could have gotten even faster.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
The most difficult obstacle I had to overcome was staying healthy. Whether it was dealing with shin splints, tripping over my shoelace in the 3200 at county and fracturing my kneecap, having hip issues, or having to sit out one season of xc and two seasons of track because of dealing with an eating disorder, there was always something! I would say that injury and health were the biggest obstacles, but eventually the injuries and my health got under control and I was able to run to the best of my ability.
What will you miss the most?
I’ll miss my teammates the most. I’ll miss our crazy inside jokes at practice, long runs where we talk about anything and everything, hanging out and going to dinner, etc…but I’m excited to make these memories with my new teammates and excited to come back to Eastside and watch my younger teammates run!
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
Listen to your coach and trust his training plan for you. If you are hurting, tell your coach and don’t try to run through it, it will only make things worse. Work hard, race hard, and do your best…but don’t put too much pressure on yourself…make sure you’re still having fun! Fuel your body. Just like a car needs gas to run, your body needs food to run too. Stick with it…there will be races and practices where you want to give up, but the feeling of accomplishment is so much better than the feeling of quitting.
How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals?
My coaches have been awesome all through high school. Coach Boehmke has become like family to me…his hugs before and after races, jokes, and encouragement are the best. Coach Alexander knew how to push me and really helped me take running to another level. I’ll always here him in the back of my head saying “Lift your knees!” Haha. And Coach Lucking taught me a lot about being dedicated to the sport. I’ll always remember him telling us to “Eat right, sleep right, dress right.” Not only did these coaches teach me about running, but life lessons as well, such as how to be a leader, how to be encouraging, and how to not give up.
What are your college plans?
I’m going to Anderson University in the fall where I’ll be running cross country and track! So excited!
Shout-outs?
To my parents, for sitting through long track meets, buying me countless pairs of running shoes, and always cheering me on.
And everyone else who has been there for me and cheered for me along the way!
