MileSplit SC talks with Greenville senior Cara Grace Phillips before the state championship series begins.
How would you rate your season so far with a win at Yellow Jacket Invitational and being currently ranked number eight in South Carolina cross country?
So far I am very happy with how the season has started! This season has been different from most. I have been consistent and improving for the first time since sophomore year. I'm super excited to see how the season progresses through the championship races, looking forward to racing Starlight this weekend!
How did you feel about your performance at SCTCCCA Bob Jenkins Coaches Classic?
At Coaches Classic I felt really strong. Unpopular opinion, but I kind of like Newberry. We do a lot of hills at practice, so I felt really prepared and am ready to race it again.
What's it going to be like running under the lights at Starlight Run?
Starlight is always a super fun experience. People come from all over the state, and there is a lot of competition. Having a race at night is a fun switch up from morning races. The crowd also brings a high energy.
2024 South Carolina girls cross country rankings
How has the recruiting process been so far for you, and are you looking to make a decision soon?
The recruiting process was definitely different than what I was imagining. The roster limits made things a little tough, but I found the right school and am excited to share where that is this week (Editor's note: Phillips committed to College of Charleston).
What's it like to work at a running store being a runner?
Working at Fleet Feet is great. You see a lot of local runners and get to help educate people on what you love to do and help them enjoy the running process.
Any tips for other runners while they are choosing a college?
My tip would be to leave all doors open until you are ready to decide, and start the process early. You want to make senior year and deciding as easy as possible.
What do you hope to study and achieve on and off course at the college level?
I hope to major in exercise science and go into physical therapy.
What goals do you have for the rest of your senior cross country season?
I hope to go into the low 18s or even sub 18.
"I would tell younger runners to stick with it. Running takes a lot of consistency and keeping with it will give you the results. I would also say progress isn't linear and you need to learn to enjoy the process of running and working towards the end goals rather than rushing the process and not enjoying it." - Cara Grace Phillips
What's your preferred race strategy? How do you adapt if it changes?
My preferred race strategy is to go out "slower" and then pick people off. Going out slower really just means hitting my actual planned pace and then negative splitting from there, usually I accidently go out too fast. If the plan changes I quickly adapt and pull back to the right pace or gut it.
How did you get involved in the sport?
I got involved with cross country in fifth grade. I had just quit competitive gymnastics and my mom was a cross country coach, so she told me to give it a try.
What kind of mileage do you have for a week and how will that change as the season nears championship meets?
My mileage is usually around 30 miles and then around 10 miles of cross training. I typically hit around 40 miles a week with the two combined. As the season nears championship meet my running mileage will go down very slightly. We have now cut out our double day, which has decreased about four or five miles.
What is your motivation for now and the future?
My motivation now is just getting time down for colleges and recruiting purposes. A motivation for me as track season nears is getting sub 5 miles!
What encouragement do you have for young runners?
I would tell younger runners to stick with it. Running takes a lot of consistency and keeping with it will give you the results. I would also say progress isn't linear and you need to learn to enjoy the process of running and working towards the end goals rather than rushing the process and not enjoying it.
What other hobbies do you have?
I love to play pickleball, basketball or volleyball. I really just like getting outside and would do any sport with friends.
Do you have postseason cross country meets planned?
As of right now I am not planning on doing any postseason races, but that could always change as the season progresses and as we get closer to state.
