What made you decide to focus on the elite 3200-meter run this weekend at the Dorman Distance Carnival?
Most of my winter training was long distance focused. I wanted to begin my season with the 3200 as I continue to build the speed in training for the 1600.

What kind of race do you hope to see unfold?
Honestly, I am excited to be back to racing. I am using this race as an early test for the season.

How are you preparing for Saturday?
We continued with our normal training runs this week.

How will the Dorman Distance Carnival give you a gauge for the rest of the 2026 season?
Dorman Distance Carnival is an early test race for me, and I plan to continue to improve throughout the season.

How did you first get started in track and field?
I ran XC at Langston Charter Middle School from sixth-eighth grade. They started a track team my eighth grade year, and we had two middle school races that year (and only one team practice!).

What drew you specifically to distance running?
I started year-round swimming when I was 6 years old. As I got older, my favorite swimming events were the distance ones, such as the 1650 yards free. When our training pool was closed during the 2020 pandemic, I ran to cross-train for swimming. Then, I started middle school and decided to join the XC team to meet new friends.

Who has influenced your running career the most so far?
My teammates and coaches motivate me every season to perform well.

What's your motivation?
I actually enjoy the training grind.

What does a typical training week look like for you?
We will typically have a couple workouts a week (one speed, one threshold), long run and some easy days.

How do you balance academics with practices and meets?
I try to work ahead on what I can. If I have limited time, I know that I cannot waste it, so that is actually helpful for studying.

What's your favorite workout - and your least favorite? Why?
I prefer the longer distance workouts like mile repeats. My least favorite are the sprinting workouts (200s). I need my speedy teammates to pull me through the sprinting ones.

How do you prepare mentally before a big race?
I plan my goals earlier in the week. I am usually quiet on the start line and in my own head.

Do you prefer setting the pace or chasing from behind?
I do not like getting boxed on the track, so I do my best to avoid it whether that means setting the pace or chasing.

How do you adjust your strategy depending on the competition?
It depends on the race conditions too. For example, my sophomore year state track meet was very hot and humid when we raced the 3200, and I had already raced in the 4x800. I did not know how others would race, so my plan was to run with the pack and do what I could at the end.

What's going through your mind in the final lap?
Don't die!

What has been your most memorable race so far?
My freshman year (2024) we won the 4x800 at state and set the state record (Reagan, Meredith, Callie, and me)! Watch the race.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a distance runner?
I had two challenging state races in XC - sophomore and junior years. I fell early in the race my sophomore year, rallied back, and then unfortunately passed out around a half a mile to the finish. While I ran the junior race injured, I had a different perspective this time as not participating was on the line earlier the week. So, I was grateful to be at the state start line, finish, and do the best I could for my team.

How have you bounced back from a disappointing race?
I was given good advice to not allow myself to wallow in the disappointing race for too long. You can only move forward and learn what to improve. I also have supportive running and swimming friends and coaches that know the realities of endurance sports to help me turn negatives in positives.

What have you learned about yourself through this sport?
I am very determined and have an excellent work ethic.

How do you stay motivated during season?
I love the runner's high!

What does being part of the Mauldin team mean to you?
The Mauldin team brought me some of my best friends, so I am thankful every day for them.

How do you support your teammates during meets?
Track is my favorite season, because we are all running different races. We go around and cheer for each other.

Do you see yourself as a leader? If so, how?
Coach Shelly Sands always assigned me the role of the "nutrition leader." So, I would talk with the girls about what to eat/drink. Everyone makes fun of my big cooler at track meets.

What makes your team culture special?
We just have fun together. The seniors plan a fun end of season practice or meet activity. For example, the varsity girls surprised the JV girls for their final XC meet. We dressed up as the Lorax and were cheering for them around the course.

What goals did you set at the beginning of the season?
I want to enjoy my junior track season and set some PRs.

Are you hoping to run in college?
Yes!

What time or milestone are you chasing next?
I want to go sub-11 in the 3200 and sub-5 in the 1600 this season.

Where do you see yourself in five years?
I plan to become a pediatric nurse or early childhood teacher. I want to continue running in new states and countries and possibly get involved in triathlons.

What song gets you pumped up before a race?
I don't listen to music before races.

If you weren't a distance runner, what sport would you play?
I would return to competitive swimming and/or do triathlons.

What advice would you give younger runners?
When it is an easy run day, you must take those days easy. Go slow! (I speak from experience - haha!)

How would your teammates describe you?
They would probably say I am dedicated and that I ramble when telling a story.

What hobbies do you have outside of running?
Swimming, baking and traveling to new places with my family.

What do you think needs to happen in the sports, and why?
I like talking with runners from other teams. Everyone is usually really encouraging and nice in the distance running community. It would be great if we could have some fun runs with other teams. It helps the start lines of races be less stressful when you know someone.