Interview: Running comes naturally for Dreher's Allyson Hill

Full name: Allyson Renae Hill
Date of birth: Jan. 10, 1993
Brothers/sisters: one brother (Alex)
Hobbies: soccer, basketball, traveling
Academic interest: Math
Training shoe: Mizuno Wave Inspire
Racing shoe: Rebok flats

scrunners: When did you start running?
hill: Well, basically my whole family are runners, so running came naturally. My elementary school had an annual fun run (3K) that I did every year. My first 5K was in the fourth grade; I ran 24 minutes.

scrunners: Do you remember your first race? Please explain.
hill: I do not remember my first race ever, but I remember my first cross country race. The race was at Chapin and I was so nervous. I went out and got third place. It was the best feeling in the world.

scrunners: What made you decide to start running?
hill: When I was little I loved watching Alex run. I would watch the girls run and I knew I would be able to stay up with most of them. I decided that I was going to run in the seventh grade.

scrunners: What other sports did you play prior to this?
hill: I have played soccer since I was four years old and I still continue to play year-round soccer. I also play church basketball.

scrunners: Do you have any family members that run?
hill: Yes, my dad and two of his brothers ran in college and my mom and her sister ran in high school.

scrunners: As a sophomore, what kind of goals did you have for the season and how has that been going?
hill: At the beginning of the season, I really did not have any goals. I was thinking that I would not have any teammates to run with or to push me. Two new runners showed up though. One is a seventh grader and the other is a ninth grader. They have developed into great runners and are pushing me during workouts. Others on the team have stepped up and have gotten a lot faster. My hope for this team is to break the top 10 this year.

scrunners: Do you see yourself running in college?
hill: I would like to run in college but I am fearful that it might take up too much time. I want to go to medical school; therefore, I have to get really good grades. My brother runs for Amy Seago at College of Charleston and really likes her. I would love to run there if it works out.

scrunners: With your brother Alex graduating, how has this been different for you at Dreher and home?
hill: This year has not really been that different without Alex. We were both so busy with soccer, school, and running last year, we really did not get to see each other that much.

scrunners: What is your goal for Saturday's meet?
hill: I have not had a good state meet race since seventh grade, so I am hoping to just do good. I would really like to get a personal record this Saturday, though. My nerves seem to get the best of me at that course.

scrunners: What did you think of your competition this year?
hill: The competition will be tough as usual.

scrunners: Do you have a tradition prior to each race?
hill: I don't have a tradition, I really do not like to think about races at all because it gets me nervous. Before races, I just like to relax and listen to my iPod.

scrunners: As a runner, what has been your biggest challenge?
hill: My biggest challenge has been getting mentally prepared before big races. Before big races I seem to get really nervous and freak out.

scrunners: Are you participating in any post season meets?
hill: I was going to do AAU, but I have to attend a wedding that day so I am not doing it anymore. I might do Foot Locker (South), it just depends on how I feel and when I take my break from running.

scrunners: If there is one thing you could say to your coaches what would it be and why?
hill: If I could say one thing to my coaches, I would say thank you for your hard work. The coaches do a lot in preparation for meets. Coaches often do not get a lot of credit.

scrunners: What kind of course do you prefer?
hill: I really like the course at Dreher because it is in the woods and really shaded. So any race with woods and no sand are good for me.

scrunners: What course do you consider is the most challenging?
hill: I think that the state meet course is the most challenging course mentally for me. When I am there I always get really nervous and end up doing okay, but not great.

scrunners: Do you see yourself coaching in the future, if so, at what level and why?
hill: No, I don't see myself as a coach.

scrunners: What do you think it takes to be a distance runner?
hill: To be a distance runner you have to be tough mentally and physically.

scrunners: Are you planning on running track? If so, what will be your focus?
hill: I do plan on running track, but I will also play varsity soccer for my school. I never get to focus just on track. I have run track for three years and never been to one practice because of my busy schedule. I will focus on the 3200-meter run, but I want to get my 1600 time down.

scrunners: What do you recommend to younger runners that want to achieve their best in the sport?
hill: I would recommend them to work hard in practice. If you not talented, you can not be great but you can be good. Everyone can build their endurance up to a certain point. You also have to train smart.

scrunners: If there is one thing in the world you could do, what would it be and why?
hill: Since I love traveling, I would love to be on the Amazing Race with my brother. We are both really competitive. I think it would teach me a lot about teamwork and about the culture of different countries.