MoMileSplit: Last year you finished 102nd in Class 4 at state and now you find yourself at #12 on the Big River Running Company XC Rankings; What is your secret?
Tabitha: Last year at the Mizzou relays, my coach, Jordan Stone told me to not let the front pack leave me. It was my goal to run under 12 minutes for the 2 mile and those were the girls I had to run with in order to do so. When I finished my race in a time of 11:35 that was the turning point for me. I finally realized I could go a lot faster than I originally thought. From that race on I completely changed my racing strategy and really began to take my training seriously. I have put a lot of work in to be where I am today.
MoMileSplit: What’s sweeter - Winning (Fleet Feet & Notre Dame) or running a PR and setting the school 5k record at the Southern Stampede?
Tabitha: Most definitely running a PR and setting the school 5K record at the Southern Stampede. Getting that school record has been something I have wanted to accomplish since my very first high school race. I have never experienced a better feeling than finally accomplishing that 4 year goal.
MoMileSplit: Is there a team or individual that you most like to run against?
Tabitha: By far my favorite team to race against is the well-known St. Genevieve squad. They have consistently been getting better and better and I hope one day for Farmington to have a similar team. Mia Jermen is a member of the st. Gen team I have looked forward to racing against this year. She pushes me throughout the whole race and I really appreciate that.
MoMileSplit: When & how did you get started in cross country?
Tabitha: In seventh grade I tried out for volleyball and only made the B-team. I wasn't having a lot of fun because I never got to play so I knew I would not play again my eighth grade year. I did track in the spring of my seventh grade year because all my friends were and I fell in love. It also helped because I realized I wasn't too bad at it either. From then on I think it is safe to say I have been and still am a "running junky!"
MoMileSplit:Who has influenced you the most so far in your life and what they mean to you and your success?
Tabitha: Coach stone 100%. He has inspired me and has transformed the way I look at life. He has taught me that i have to work hard for what i want and he has been there for me since the very beginning.
MoMileSplit:Your favorite past performance in a cross country race and why?
Tabitha: The state cross country meet my sophomore year. Even though I was recovering from an injury and didn't run the quickest time I had a wonderful team with me that day. Together we got to the podium giving me my first taste of how special getting on the podium really is. I still remember standing on the podium up there with them and how proud Coach Stone was of each and every one of us.
MoMileSplit:What is your greatest non-running experience in cross country so far and why?
Tabitha: Being given the honor of team captain for my senior year. Being team captain was something else I have wanted to experience since freshman year. Its nice to know your team looks up to you not only for advice on running but just in general. Its a great feeling to be respected by not only the team but by the coaching staff as well. It may sound a little dorky but one of my goals for this season was to be one of the most remembered captains Farmington has had. I guess you could say I don't want people to forget about me when I leave.
The Fun Run
MoMileSplit: What music do you rock while working out…
Tabitha: Either rap or some pop music. Anything that gets my heart pumping and my legs moving.
MoMileSplit:Do you like to run in the mud or the grass…
Tabitha: The mud. I take it as an opportunity to get as dirty as possible!
MoMileSplit:Do you hang out on Facebook or Twitter...
Tabitha: Twitter all the way
MoMileSplit:Do you like going out or chilling at home...
Tabitha: Chilling at home. Going out is always fun but there is nothing more relaxing than laying out in the floor with your family just hanging out and spending time with one another.
MoMileSplit:What gear is your favorite while running...
Tabitha: Nike tempo shorts and a tank top or light T-shirt.