What was your most memorable meet or race?
Even though this was only the kick off race, last years kick-off race in Forest Park on August 4 was my most memorable race. This is because, not only was it my birthday, it was the first time I ever broke 18 minutes and received a time of 17:34. I honestly wasn't even expecting that, I went into it thinking 18:30 would be a good time. The race came to me easier as I raced with everyone, and when I finished it was one of the best feelings ever.
Who was your biggest competition?
Although I have had many races where there was a field of amazing runners, my biggest competition would have to be myself. during races if I had no one around me I would race for a time or even if I had competition and I did not race as well as I thought I could or should, I would beat myself up about it. It is not healthy and I still have to work on it, but I would have to say that battling with myself was by far my biggest competition.
If there was anything you could do all over again is there anything you would change?
If I could do this all over again I would try to lessen the pressure that I put on myself over the years. I always had a mind set that people expected me to win or get really good times even if I was injured or coming off an injury. I don't really know why I did that but I am ready for college because it will be a new start and there really is no pressure.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
My most difficult obstacles were my iron deficiency, injuries, and staying positive. But the most difficult had to be my IT band injury this year. I was completely out for almost a full month and then there was only 6 weeks of the season left. It was probably one of the worst few weeks of my life, and I had to have help with my mom and coaches to look on the bright side and think positive. Although it is a big deal, I still have more things to come.
What will I miss most?
I will miss the times that I had with not only my team, but with other runners also. Runners are always so nice and we understand each other. It's kind of like we are one big family.
Do you have any advice for younger athletes?
My advice would be to be serious, but also have fun with it. It's really easy to start putting pressure on yourself and that usually makes things worse. Just let things come to you and move on to the next race.
What are your college plans?
University of Missouri
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to thank my teammates for always being there for me, my coaches especially Coach Kasten because he has probably put as much work into this as I have (which is a lot), and my parents for always attending the races, always taking me to doctor appointments as soon as they could, and making sure I could be the best I could be by giving me positive talks and making sure I have the right food, shoes, and other supplies. I really appreciate it.
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 10px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <em style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: invert none 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;">Want to be featured in our Salute To Seniors series? Email PEverett@milesplit.com and answer the questions above! Congratulations to the seniors on all their hard work and success.</em><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;"> </span></p> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> <div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 12px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p>