ALL photos courtesy of Florida State University Sports Information Department
One of Missouri’s most well known runners, Colleen Quigley, headed off to Florida State University this fall to start her college career, with FSU being the number one ranked team in Division 1. After being the state champion in the 1600 and the 3200 in her senior track season, she was ready to run with her new teammates and have a great year. Here’s what FSU frosh said about her experience so far.
Madeline Nathe: How was the transition from Nerinx Hall to FSU?
Colleen Quigley: For the most part the transition was easy. I only have class for about two hours a day and then I’ll have practice. Running helps me to stay on top of my schoolwork because I can sit down and focus on it knowing that I have to get it done. My teammates have been there to help me, whenever I ask them questions they are always eager to help.
MN: Is there much difference between running in college and running in high school?
CQ: Its very different. I am running more miles every week and we have a harder training schedule each week too. The races are so much bigger; it is definitely a change from not having too many people around me. When you’re in the races you definitely have to watch out for tripping on people. It is also a lot harder to get around people and not get boxed in.
MN: Is there anything that you always do before a race?
CQ: I don’t really have pre-race superstitions. But something that I’ve always done is eat oatmeal for breakfast the day of a race and I braid my hair.
MN: What is your training schedule usually like for the week?
CQ: At the beginning of the season, my coach sent out a schedule for the whole season, but every week we get email with more details about each of the workouts. We have done 2 a days, progression runs, and I run about 50-62 miles each week, with 62 being the most I’ve done so far. We have different mileage groups though, so some girls are running more than me since I’m in the middle group for mileage.
MN:Sounds like you are really busy. Is it hard to stay on top of your studies with practices and traveling for meets?
CQ: With traveling, I will miss tests sometimes, but I just make them up later on. But all of the girls bring their schoolwork to work on while we’re on the plane or just when we’re just hanging out in the hotel room.
MN: What do you like most about college so far?
CQ: I love being on my team. All of the girls are just like me, but at the same time we’re all so different. We all have the same passion and dedication towards running but we have unique backgrounds and personalities. This was one of the things that I was looking forward too and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
MN: So what’s next for you?
CQ: My team and I are going to nationals! Then we’ll be getting ready for indoor track. And after that will be the track season.
MN: What do you miss about high school running?
CQ: Nothing! I love running in college. Well, I do miss being able to come home after practice, and having a hot dinner ready for me!
MN: Are there any tips that you would give to high school runners?
CQ: I would say that you don’t need to have crazy high mileage in your training schedule and to avoid running on pavement as much as possible. Both of those things are really important to stay injury free. And just have fun with it! Worrying about rankings and who may or may not beat you will just bring you down. It’s really important to just focus on what you personally can do to perform at your best and contribute to the team.
The author, Madeline Nathe is a Sophomore at Nerinx Hall High School