Kathleen Allden: Family is all in running

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Dreher's Kathleen Allden talks about her family in the sport and goals for this weekend and summer.

Name: Kathleen Rose Allden
Personal bests:
800m = 2:23.62
1600m = 5:22.8
5K (XC) = 19:56.43
Academic interest: Math and science
Hobbies: Reading, dance, being outdoors
Interesting fact: Attended Montessori school for 10 years in North Carolina before moving to Columbia this past August.

How did you get involved in the sport and why?
When I was 10 years old I kind of fell into cross country. My dad was teaching a class in Myrtle Beach where the National Junior Olympic Cross Country meet was being held. About eight weeks before the race my dad asked me if I wanted to run in the meet. I joined Triangle Champions Track Club and ran the qualifying races. I made it to my first nationals and found running in the process.

How have you seen it change?
The sport hasn't changed for me as much as my view on it has. When I moved up to racing high school the strength and maturity of who I was racing changed. Racing older girls is a lot more mentally challenging.

How do you feel you have grown in the sport?
I feel I have learned how to come back from a bad race. I also think that I have come to recognize how difficult it is to be the best, which makes me want to be up there even more.

What has been your motivation for this season?
My motivation for this season is to make it to state on the way to being an all-american at JO Nationals this summer.

How do you look at the rankings?
Tentatively. Because I know not everyone has had the chance to run their best races yet.

What goes throughout your mind as the gun is getting ready to go as you are waiting in the blocks or starting line?
That I am about to experience a lot of pain, work really hard, and need a lot of bravery.

Do you have a pre race tradition? Please explain.
I do my warm up and kind of zone in. Than right before I run I pray and try to clear my mind.

How would you rate your season so far?
A four or five.

Do you have any family members involved in the sport? Please explain.
My father is an assistant track coach and the cross country coach at the University of South Carolina. My mother ran high school track, and in my life has competed in the Boston Marathon and the Mount Mitchell Challenge (as well as many other races).

What challenges have you encountered in the sport?
Balancing time for running with school and other activities. This year I played basketball in addition to running. In the past I have danced ballet, played soccer, and ran.

Have you ever been injured? Please explain.
Last fall I had a hip injury for which I received physical therapy. I continue to do hip strengthening exercises so that my injury doesn't reoccur.

What do you hope to achieve in the sport and in life in the future?
I know I dream big. But I figure if you don't you'll never have the chance. I would like to run in the Olympics, attend Princeton University, and travel abroad.

Do you have post season track plans?
Competing in JO track this summer.

What is your favorite workout and why?
4-5x1000. This is my favorite workout because it is the most difficult for me. I feel very successful after running it. It challenges me mentally and physically in ways no other workouts do.

What goals have you set for the rest of the season?
To run sub 5:20 in the 1600 and sub 2:20 in the 800.

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what it would it be and why?
I would run in the Olympics (preferably in Italy.) The Olympics are an amazing feat just as international cooperation. I would love to meet all the people in different countries and it would be an honor

Fun questions
Pre-race pump-up song:
Shake it Off by Florence and the Machine
Post-race meal: Meatball sub (also pre-race)
Go-to karaoke song: Say Something
Favorite book: The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene
Last movie you watched: Unbroken (really)
Favorite race or event to watch: 800
If you could go on a run with any athlete, who would it be? Sanya Richards-Ross