Athlete Feature: Campbell’s Caitlyn Calinan

When did you start running?

I didn’t start running until 5th grade.  My neighbor ran for my middle school and I looked up to her, so I decided to join the middle school cross country team.

Briefly describe the experience as a member of your team/program.  Give an example of some of the “fun” stuff your team does together.

Our team is very close.  We had spaghetti dinner nights, played “Chuck the Chicken” and we go on slurpy runs to 7-11.  Coach Jan has a book full of games that she allows us to choose from and she has a fun personality which makes the team feel relaxed.

How does your coach motivate you?

Coach Jan is beyond dedicated to the sport.  She checks on her runners constantly, provides healthy food meal plans and he rewards her runners with free t-shirts for meeting certain mileage.

What motivates you most to do well?

I like the challenge of running and my family encourages me to do well.

What is your favorite workout?

Strangely enough, I like to do long runs.  During long runs, I am able to bond with my teammates.

What is your favorite cross training activity?

I enjoy hiking and skiing to help with cardio.

What is your go-to pre-race meal?

A bagel with peanut butter and banana.

Do you have a favorite pre-race song?

I have many songs that I listen to prior to running, but I love the genre of country so I always find a country song to motivate myself.  

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

I would love to travel to Europe.

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

I would run around the world one time.

What is the best advice ever given to you?

I was told by my mother, father and grandfather that I can do anything that I set my mind to.  

What is your favorite quote?

“If running was easy, they would call it football.”  

What is your favorite thing about Cross Country?

Meeting peers who enjoy running as much as I do.

What is your favorite course to run? (High school courses)

I like the Nashua High School South course. It has slight hills, grassy trails, dirt trails, asphalt trails and ponds.  I trained on this course during the summer of 2015 with PAL.  What’s not to like?

What is your favorite race outside of the high school season?

I like to run the “Footrace for the Fallen. 5k,” which honors the Manchester, NH police, fallen officers.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years???

With a Bachelor’s Degree in hand, using my degree to plan special/running events in New England.

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