Could you tell us a little
bit about yourself, like where you're from and how you got started running?
I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota,
but moved out to Pocatello, Idaho, when I was about two and grew up
there. I was always very involved in a lot of different sports: softball,
tennis, swimming, basketball, dance, etc. and mainly soccer. I started
running on my own in about 7th grade just to stay in shape for soccer.
The track coaches at my schools would often try to get me to come out
for the team, but my schedule was pretty full already and I really wanted
to focus on soccer, especially nearing the end of high school. After
I graduated in 2003, I moved to Walla Walla, Washington, to attend college
there on an academic and athletic scholarship. In 2004, I decided to
move back to Minnesota with my family. I took a year off of school to
work and save money. I bought a car and then finished my AA degree at
a small college near my home in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. I wanted
to transfer to a 4-year college to get my BA and looked into UWRF because
it was close to home and affordable. I happened to be checking out the
Athletic page on the UWRF website after I had applied and found an opportunity
to request more info about any of the athletic teams. I checked the
boxes indicating I was interested in the soccer team and the cross country
team, not really thinking anything would come of it. But to my surprise
I got an email from the former CC coach, Don Glover, the next day. He
happened to live just about a mile from my house, so we met at a coffee
shop a few days later and he told me all about the team and the sport
that I really knew nothing about. And that's where my racing career
started.
In the short time that you've
been running, how has your understanding of training, racing, and running
in general evolved?
Like I said before, I really knew nothing about racing or training at
all. All I knew was how to run, I didn't know about paces or tempos,
I didn't even wear a watch and I wore trail running shoes that were
like five years old. So needless to say, I've learned A LOT and continue
to learn new things still everyday. It is actually really surprising
to me how much there is to know, and all the factors that go into the
sport.
What drew you to Wisconsin River Falls?
Was going to a Division III school a factor at all in your decision
making process?
I chose UWRF because it was
close to my home and affordable. The division of the school was not
something I considered, because at the time it didn't really matter
to me.
What was your training like this past summer?
What was your peak mileage, what kind of pace did you run on the typical
day, and what did you do in the way of harder efforts?
Last summer I ran about 70
miles a week. Anywhere between 4-16 miles a day. I didn't really
keep track of the pace, some days harder than others. I guess
I just went by feel. On harder days I like to run hills, I also
did some 2-a-day and even a few 3-a-day workouts.
Similarly, what has your training been like since the end of cross
country?
It has been pretty similar to the workouts we did during CC, just more
track work I guess.
Even though this is your
first year running track, you've already earned an automatic qualifying
time in the 5000m (16:49.27). Do you have a sense yet of what your best
distance is?
As of right now, probably the 5k, although my coach thinks I will do
well in the 10K when outdoor comes around.
What are your goals for yourself and your team this season and year?
I really would just like to see myself as well as my team keep improving
in our conference as well as on the national level.
What is your favorite workout during the track seasons and what do
you like about it?
We do a drill called Lasse Viren where you run around the track without
breathing. You get five minutes to run 400m in as few breathes as possible.
I can make it by only stopping for breath once, usually right after
the 200 m. It doesn't sound as difficult as it actually is, but it's
pretty killer. It really simulates the feeling during the race in a
really short amount of time. I actually really hate this drill, but
I know it works and that's why I like it.
What do you think were the factors that allowed you to have such
immediate success at running?
Some of the factors that have contributed to my success are my dedication
and drive, plus I just love running. I guess it also helps that I was
always kind of naturally athletic.
What made you decide to come back next year for a
full season of running, rather than going ahead and
graduating? Do you plan to run (competitively
or otherwise) post-collegiately?
I really think I just got hooked and that's why I decided to come back.
I want to take advantage of this time I have to continue to improve
and compete. Originally I decided to do track just to help my CC season,
but now I'm hooked on track too, and will be back for one more season.
I would love to keep running/racing after college. I guess I'll see
where the road takes me...
Who has been the biggest influence in your life and/or running?
My family is so important to me. They are the best, most supportive
fans I've got. It definitely wouldn't be as fun racing if they weren't
there to watch and cheer me on.
What do you like the most about River Falls running?
It's a pretty laidback environment
and everyone on the team is super friendly and enthusiastic about running.
What's the relationship
between the track team and the other athletic
teams? What's the athletic culture like at River Falls?
All the athletic teams here
at UWRF seem pretty supportive of each other.
How do students (and professors) at your school view the track team
and its members?
In the department I'm in, Health
and Human Performance, most of the instructors are really supportive
and interested in the track team and how we are performing.
Do you follow running at the collegiate or professional levels at
all? Would you care to confess to what extent you lurk on Letsrun.com or other message boards?
Not too much, my dad will look
up stats from other schools every once in awhile and fill me in, but
besides that I definitely don't have the time to lurk on letsrun.com.
Actually the first time I heard about it was right before Nats for CC
and a teammate showed it to me because people were blogging about who
was going to win it and I think he thought it'd pump me up.
Are there any other closing thoughts or pieces of wisdom you'd like
to share?
I'd like to thank you for the
interview opportunity and my only piece of advice/wisdom is that you
can always, ALWAYS try harder.
Thanks to Becca for a fantastic
interview.
