MoMileSplit: Congratulations on being a 2 time Suburban Gold Individual Conference Champion - More fun winning it the first time or defending it this year?
Elizabeth: I think it was more fun winning it last year because it was a bit of a shock to me, but winning it this year was so amazing as well! I was excited to have a 2X conference title.
MoMileSplit: What’s the conversation like throughout the team when you realize you won a team conference championship by just 1 point?
Elizabeth:When it was announced that the winning team had won by one point, my teammates and I got super nervous because our coach wouldn’t tell us who won. So when second place was announced and it wasn’t us, naturally, we all screamed. And then it was announced that LSN won and we were so excited and pumped. It felt really good to get that last conference win in as a senior.
MoMileSplit: When & how did you get started in cross country?
Elizabeth: I got started in cross country because of my older sister Rachel. So, I joined cross country because it seemed like the right idea. I followed in my sister’s footsteps while trying to also create my own path. Since I’ve been running, my love for the sport has grown tremendously. I will admit I used to hate running, but it’s a love/hate relationship, right? My favorite sport to participate in is cross country because I love how tough it is and I love proving myself out on the course. I also really enjoy the runner atmosphere.
MoMileSplit: When people see Rachel now do they say, “You know she’s Elizabeth’s Carpino’s sister?
Elizabeth: Yes. Haha, probably not, but I’d like to think so. My older sister is a really strong runner, and I’ve just continued to set my goals a little bit higher than hers when she was a high school senior. She is probably my biggest competition. As much as anyone would, I love beating her old times. Family competition is the best kind of competition.
MoMileSplit: Who has influenced you the most so far in your life and what they mean to you and your success?
Elizabeth: My family, friends and coaches have had the biggest impact on my life. My family has also pushed me my hardest. My dad, being a high school football coach, really knows how to push me to run my hardest and that has been where most of my success has come from. My friends have been there for me and encouraged me to run fast. My coaches have definitely been a huge influence in my life. Especially Coach Shortino, who is really training the LSN girls hard this year, and I see a change forming within our team and it gets me super excited. All of these people factor into my success. Without them, I’m not sure where I’d be, so I am very thankful for all who have influenced me to toughen it out and stay mentally strong.
MoMileSplit: Your favorite past performance in a cross country race and why?
Elizabeth: My favorite past performance was when I first ran at the state meet my freshman year. It wasn’t necessarily a super awesome time or place, but I have always looked back at that race because it was the first time I had felt really proud of myself, my team, and my season. That was the year when LSN girls got 4th at the state meet and I remember when our coach told us we had medaled as a team. All the girls on our team went crazy because we knew coming into the meet that it would be extremely hard to do. I also remember celebrating with Taylor Hynes, who was a senior on our team at the time, and it was just overall a really unforgettable experience and performance individually and as a team.
MoMileSplit: What is your greatest non-running experience in cross country so far and why?
Elizabeth: My greatest non-running experience in cross country would probably be when a few of my teammates and I, after good races, we would get someone’s ipod and blast rap music out of it and just dance around everywhere. Its super entertaining to watch and even more fun to do.
The Fun Run
MoMileSplit: What music do you rock while working out?
Elizabeth: I listen to all kind of music, but mostly just super hardcore pump-me-up music. I also like listening to songs that make me mad, because I run my best when I am angry.
MoMileSplit: Do you like to run in the mud or the grass?
Elizabeth: I love running in the mud. When I am entirely covered in mud right after I finish a run, it makes me feel super legit.
MoMileSplit: Do you hang out on Facebook or Twitter?
Elizabeth: Twitter is a lot better.
MoMileSplit: Do you like going out or chilling at home?
Elizabeth: That’s tough. I love doing both. It just depends on how tired I am from the day’s workout.
MoMileSplit: What gear is your favorite while running?
Elizabeth: I really love brooks shoes, and also I have a snazzy new Garmin gps watch and it is pretty cool. I usually forget to wear it to practice though.