Thursday Conversation: Sarah Jacobsen
Chris Ammen
“She is a freshman!?!” Those were my exact words of unbelief the first time I saw Sarah Jacobsen from Potosi in action. She is an incredibly tough, gritty runner who has race instincts far beyond her years. Many freshmen have a tough time just making the varsity squad, let alone winning races. After placing 4th at Forest Park with a blazing time of 19:13 behind veterans Briana Watson, Grace Bridwell, and Conradette King; she went on to place first at both Paul Enke and Hancock. She has won the respect of the entire state and should be a force for the next four years as she makes her way through high school. I spent some time this week talking with Sarah about life and running.
You have burst onto the high school scene and have caught the attention of the state. Are you new to running or have you run for years?
I have been running since the beginning of my 7th grade year.
Do you play any other sports, or do you just run?
I play basketball.
How is it being a freshman and the star of the team? What does that dynamic look like?
I don't consider myself the star of the team. I really look up to my teammate Sarah White considering she is a junior and has been an all-state runner every year. She has helped me a lot. Most of all, I think of my coaches as the stars. I love all my teammates. We are like a big family.
What does a typical week of training look like for you?
We run about 6-8 miles a day with two days of faster workouts, a couple of days of easy distance, and a long run on Sunday.
What is your favorite workout? What is the hardest workout you have done?
I really don't have a favorite workout, but I love the feeling of accomplishment after doing any hard workout. The hardest workout I have done is hill work at a local cemetery.
What are your goals for the season? Sadie Darnell and you are in a close battle for tops in the district and Sadie, Grace Bridwell, and a host of others should make for a great battle for the state title. Are district and state titles something that are in your sights right now?
My goals for the season are to train hard, do my best at every race, and to stay healthy. Yes, district and state are in my sights right now, it would be a dream to win state. Sarah White has helped me a lot this season to get me where I am today, and I wouldn't count her out in the state competition.
What are some things you do when you are not running that make you a better running?
I try to have good nutrition and drink a lot of sports drinks and water. My coach has a lot of good tips for me about taking care of my body. Sometimes I miss out on some things with my friends on the weekends because I have to train and get a lot sleep, but it’s all worth it in the end.
How do you like your coach? Tell me some about that relationship you have with them.
I love him and his wife Mrs. Davis (she was my middle school coach but helps with high school). I trust him and listen to him. He is probably the best coach around and I am blessed that he is my coach. He cares and loves everyone on the team. His lives his faith out through his coaching and his character. I have learned more about how to be a good person than a runner though his example.
(photo courtesy of Chris Auckley)
Do you have a particular pre-race ritual or routine?
Yes, my mom usually makes some kind of pasta the night before a race, and my family and I pray the night before and in the morning. We don't pray that I win, we pray for the health of me and the other runners, my nerves, and thank God for the ability and privilege to run. Also my teammates and coach pray before we race. Basically I pray a lot.
What is your favorite pair of running shoes? Racing shoes?
My favorite pair of running shoes are the Nike Structure Triax, and my favorite racing shoes are Nike Forevers.
What do you consider to be your best race so far this season and why?
I think my best race so far was at the Hancock Invitational because it was perfect weather to run and I had a good time in the mid 19's. I felt very good that day.
***Editors Note – She gapped Sadie Darnell by 28 seconds to win on a tough course. I would agree, that was a GREAT day!
What is one thing you would tell someone in elementary school right now who is an aspiring runner?
I would tell them running is more mental then physical, if you don’t have mental toughness it will be very hard to be a runner. You just have to push through the pain and always do your best.
Thanks for the interview, Sarah! Good luck with the rest of the season.
