Athlete Feature: West’s Julia Robitaille

When did you start competing in track and field?

I ran my first race when I was three years old at a recreational meet during the summer, but I started competing seriously in middle school (6th grade).

What is your favorite track and field event?

My favorite track and field events are the 800 meter run and longer distances.

If you could do any event in track and field, which one would it be and why?

I would do a hurdle event because I haven’t tried it yet and it seems fun.

Describe your favorite workout:

My favorite workout is a thirty-minute run on the trails with one-minute pick-ups every five minutes.

Describe your favorite race/competition memory:

My favorite race memory is when I was in eighth grade at a relay meet, and I ran 400 meters in the sprint medley. It was fun because I got to do a relay with my sister, and everyone used their own strengths to help us win first place.

How does your coach motivate you?

My coaches motivate me by coming to all of our practices, being positive, and even making charts so I can compare the splits of all of my races.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

If I could go anywhere, I would travel to Tunisia because my mom was born there and I would like to visit my family there. The Mediterranean Sea and mountains are amazing and I would like to hike there.

What is your go-to pre-meet meal?

I usually eat spaghetti and a baked sweet potato. For a snack, I eat carrots and dark chocolate. I also drink a lot of water.

Do you have a favorite prerace song?

I don’t like to listen to music before running so I can focus.

What motivates you most to do well?

I want to represent my school and family well and improve my times each race.

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

I would experience many different things, such as running every marathon in the world,

travelling to exotic places, and applying to prestigious schools.

What is the best advice or quote ever given to you?

To work hard and have fun.

If you go to college, do you plan to compete in track and field? And where?

Yes, at Dartmouth because I like the track, as well as the rest of the campus. It is also where I ran my first high school indoor track meet.

What is your favorite thing about Track and Field?

I enjoy running and training, and Track and Field varies in all different events, each with their own strategies.

What is your favorite track facility?

The track at my school. The track is kept good condition, as well as the turf field. It is running distance from my house, and has a pretty view of downtown Manchester across the river. I have had many middle school meets and high school practices there.