When did you start running?
I started track in 6th grade, I did the sprinting events and I never even imagined running distance. I decided to join the XC team freshman year after the coaches and my parents recommended it to me. I thought I would just get the season over with and not join again next year. After getting to know everyone on the team and learning that you need to hydrate before you run, I started to love practice and XC!! The following spring I tried some of the longer distances and I have been running ever since!
Briefly describe the experience as a member of your team/program. Give an example of some of the “fun” stuff your team does together.
I think it is safe to say that Kearsarge has a pretty unique XC team! Our team really focuses on trying to achieve our running goals while doing it in the funnest way possible! Almost every week we have a game day, where we play games the majority of practice, and we practically always play football before we begin practice (Challenge our team in a game of football, we will accept). Sometimes, when it is super hot outside, we will run to the lake and go swimming. If we are really lucky, we will even get ice cream!! We have a pretty artistic girls team so it is tradition to paint rocks and tie dye shirts.
What are your team goals for this season?
I think every year it is a common goal among our team to improve on last year. This year we hope to place better at D3’s and to hopefully score better as a team at some of the bigger meets.
How does your coach motivate you?
Ernie and Angus, my coaches are always super supportive and they always motivate me to run my best even when I may not be super confident going into the race.
What motivates you most to do well?
My team. I really want to improve and do the best I can so we are able to place higher at some of the bigger invitationals
What is your favorite workout?
Probably short hill repeats or tempo runs
What is your favorite cross training activity?
Alpine and Nordic skiing
What is your go-to prerace meal?
Usually I will have a bowl of oatmeal or a breakfast burrito in the morning and a squeeze apple sauce before the race.
Do you have a favorite prerace song?
I don’t really have a favorite pre-race song but the guys team always bring “Big Blue” on the bus and play music until we arrive at the meet.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
It is so hard to choose just one place! Maybe New Zealand or something because there is mountains to hike, pretty views, and you are surrounded by the ocean!
What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
Travel around the world!
What is the best advice ever given to you?
Do what you love!
What is your favorite quote?
Rise and Shine!
What is your favorite thing about Cross Country?
I love the team aspect and I also like how you get to know different people from schools all over NH
What is your favorite course to run? (High school courses)
The Nashua South course is by far my favorite!
What is your favorite race outside of the high school season?
I haven’t really raced many times outside of high school races but there is a low-key local 5k called the Strut N’ Sutton that I run every year.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years???
I don’t know exactly but hopefully I will be in college, still running, and adventuring every free second I can get!