Alaina Riordan makes Shrine Bowl Run team after first season

Name: Alaina Riordan
Hobbies: walking my dogs, hot yoga, reading, hanging out with my friends
Academic interest: biology (pre-medicine)
Personal bests: 5k 18:52

What does it mean to be named to the Shrine Bowl Run team and helping the hospital?
It is so cool! Shriners does such great work and I am so excited to get to be a part of this.

What did you hear about the Shrine Bowl Run before this year?
I did not know what it was.

What do you hope to experience during the event?
Hopefully have an eyeopening experience at the hospital and get to know some other senior runners in the state.

How are you preparing to run with a football?
I'm not sure. I'm not very coordinated so maybe I should practice.

How would you rate your senior season?
Having nothing to compare it to, I think it went pretty well. I learned a lot as the season went on and had a great time racing.

What future goals do you have?
I hope to continue running in some fashion and get faster. Oh and run a marathon someday!

Have you made the decision to compete at the next level? Please explain.
I don't know yet. I swim year-round and have already gone on a few recruiting trips for that sport since I have always planned on swimming in college, but XC has made me consider running in college! I loved running and think with more training at the next level, I can improve a lot. Either way, I plan on being a student-athlete. If I could do both I would.

How did you get involved with the sport and when?
This is my first season ever; I began running this September. My brother did XC, my sister is on the team now, and my mom runs all the time so I decided to try it out for fun since it was my senior year.

Do you have any relation or know someone that has attended the Shriners Hospital?

Not personally.

How have you seen the sport change in the state? Please explain.
Haven't done the sport long enough to see any cool changes unfortunately.

What was your motivation for your final XC season?
This was my first and last season of it ever so I just wanted to do as well and have as much fun as I could.

If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
Complete everything on my bucket list. It includes everything from traveling the world. to saving a life, and having a french pet bulldog.

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