Zeigle made her season debut at the Big 12 Champs (New York Road Runners)

1. Why did you and Coach Westmore opt to wait till Big 12’s to make your season debut?

I got hurt again in early August. I had a stress fracture in my femur and we thought it was something else. Then I got a bone scan and had to take five weeks off. I’ve only been running for a month and half or so and I’m still winding into shape.

2. After living with your sister for 18 years why would you decide to live with her in college?

I feel really comfortable around her. I love living with her, but there are times we have our moments. I think as I get older that I might want some more space.

3. What has this injury taught you?

Patience. It made me a lot stronger and I really wanted to run, but then I had to wait again and again. I’ve learned how to fully rely on God more. I know I have a plan, but his plan is what matters. God continually teaches me through injuries and trials. I’ve also had a chance to rest since I’ve been running since I was little.

4. How is Coach Wetmore fitting you into the workout schedule with you just coming back?

I’ve just started running with our girls again. Wetmore would have been doing little less volume then the rest of our top girls. I’m getting to the point where I’m running the same number of repeats in workouts. I’m still getting a base under me, but I know I’m able to play a valuable role.

5. How did you feel about your finish at Big 12’s?

Coach Wetmore wanted me to go out conservatively and to just work my way up in the race. I went into it with the attitude it was my first race back. I haven’t ran a cross country race in two years. I know that by me running it helped my team. Every day I train, I feel like I’m getting faster. My body is responding well. I’m used to being in front, so it’s an adjustment process for me.

6. What are your goals for the regional? What’s your primary focus?

I want to run well for the team. I have no clue how I’m going to run. The team is the focus. I’m excited about going back to Utah and being around my family again. Plus, I’ve had two more weeks under my belt since Big 12’s.

7. How do feel about CU and your chances at Nationals?

We are going to surprise some people. Coach Wetmore wants us to run well at the end of the season. I didn’t run at Pre-Nationals, so I think plugging me in will help our depth. Our girls are really coming into shape.

8. What mental strategies do you use during middle points of the race?

I basically zone out to block out everything around me.

9. How’s Coach Wetmore at practice and races?

He’s very calm during races. He knows each individual on the team real well. He trains us on our own individual level. We all have a different plan.

10. How do you keep a balance between being an athlete at Colorado, social, and academic life?

It’s really hard. I’m always busy running and stuff. School’s hard and I have a lot of studying to do. Instead of studying, I want to go home and sleep. We have some really good tutors to help us out though.

11. What are you majoring in at CU?

I’m still in the open division. I’m interested in International affairs. I’m into government issues and stuff like that. I enjoy arguing and debating about government issues and policies.

12. You have always been outspoken about your faith, what does running mean to you as a platform?

God gave me this talent and it’s my job to use it for his glory. He gives me the strength and I give him the glory and the praise for it.

13. How have you been able to get involved at CU or in the community?

It was difficult at first because I came from a conservative area in Utah, but I’m thankful I’ve found a church here in Boulder. I teach Sunday school with little seven and eight-year old kids. They are the cutest things in the world.