Bishop England's Elizabeth "Adele" Blalock talks about the season and the state meet.
Name: Elizabeth "Adele" Blalock
Personal bests: Pole Vault - 12', 100 hurdles - 15.08, 200 - 25.75, 400 - 58.74
Academic interest: Physical Therapy/Orthopedic Specialist
Hobbies: reading
Interesting fact: I started out as an all distance runner.
How did you get involved in the sport and why?
I became involved with track the summer before third grade. My dad ran track and cross country in high school and college and one of my older brothers ran so I started running early.
How have you seen it change?
The largest change that I have seen is the increase of intensity and competitiveness as I have gotten older. Of course, as we all have matured and grown times have dropped and heights have increased, there has also been a large leap in sportsmanship, as it has become a main factor in the competition.
How do you feel you have grown in the sport?
I have grown as an athlete, but I have grown even more as a person. I have experienced failure, I have had success, and I have learned the value of sportsmanship, respect, and hard work. I directly attribute my growth in character to my incredible coaches who have molded me into the person I am today.
What has been your motivation for this season?
My motivation has been my passion for competition. I love to compete and any chance to get on the starting line is more than I ask for. My vaulting coach, Tom Reagan, is also a large motivational factor for me this season. He wholeheartedly believes in me and challenges me to be the best athlete, but also the best person, I can be.
How do you look at the rankings?
The rankings are a good guideline but I never really pay them very much mind. They hold no sway over what goes down after the gun goes off. Whether I am ranked first or last it is always anyone's race.
What goes throughout your mind as the gun is getting ready to go as you are waiting in the blocks or starting line?
As weird as it sounds when I'm at the starting line I don't really have any thoughts. When I get in the blocks I thank God and then clear my mind.
Do you have a pre race tradition?
Please explain. Before a race I pray and thank God for the opportunity to run and for how blessed I already have been.
How would you rate your season so far?
The most important thing about any sport is that it is supposed to be fun. You are supposed to have fun! I had forgotten that very important detail until this year when a coach of mine reminded me. I have had more fun and success this season than any other and for that I would rate this season a 10.
Do you have any family members involved in the sport?
Please explain. My dad ran in college and my brother ran for a year or two many years ago.
What challenges have you encountered in the sport?
The largest challenge that I have encountered is attempting to push past your mind when things get tough so that you may execute your event.
Have you ever been injured? Please explain.
I have been injured a few times in the past, some of which many people would not have come back from. However, I had an incredible support system - an athletic trainer and physical therapist, whose help allowed me to come back stronger and faster than before.
What do you hope to achieve in the sport and in life in the future?
I hope to achieve all that I can in track, whatever that may be. I look forward to the future, as I love track more than anything and would be extremely happy to pursue a career competing. In life I would like to continue working with athletes by becoming an orthopedic surgeon so that I can help injured athletes return to the sport that they love.
Do you have post season track plans?
I plan on taking a week or so off and then starting up the USATF track season.
What is your favorite workout and why?
My favorite workout is a difficult 400 training workout in regards to running. Pole vaulting workouts are also a favorite of mine.
What goals have you set for the rest of the season?
I would like to set personal records in all of my events at state.
Looking at the 2014 state meet, what do you remember and how did that make you prepare for the 2015 state meet?
I remember how amazing it was to win state individually, as well as, as a team. That helped prepare me for this state meet since I would like to have the opportunity to get a state title again.
If there is one thing in the world you could do, what it would it be and why?
I would work with the worlds top medical specialists to find a regimen or apparatus that would prevent knee injuries in young athletes, such as an acl tear.
Fun questions
Pre-race pump-up song: none
Post-race meal: sweets after a meet since I can't eat anything unhealthy before a meet
Go-to karaoke song: total eclipse of the heart/come on Eileen
Favorite book: Hobbit/Lord of the Rings
Last movie you watched: Avengers Favorite race or event to watch: impossible to choose. I love watching track and field more than any other sport. My favorite event varies meet by meet depending on who is running. The competition and intensity within the field of competitors itself dictates which is the best event to watch that day.
If you could go on a run with any athlete, who would it be?: I would run with Eric Liddell.
