1) Tell us a bit about your Woodbridge Invitational experience. What was your plan going into the race and how did the race unfold for you?
I'm so glad I was able to come back and race Woodbridge this year after not racing it the past couple years! Going into the race, my plan was to feel out the first mile to two miles and then pick it up at the end. I wasn't able to kick as much as I wanted to, but I was still happy with my performance.
2) What was your training like this summer? Did you do anything different?
After my track season, I feel like I'm the strongest I've ever been going into cross country. I feel confident in my summer training, just doing everything I can to get faster.
3) What is your next big invitational as well as the races you are most looking forward to the rest of the season? (Answered before this past weekend)
My next big invitational is this weekend at Nike Portland XC in Portland Meadows. I'm really looking forward to having fun with my team and a great race! My focus this season is mainly directed towards the end of the season (also post season races) because that is what is most important to me.
4) You won the CA state meet 1600 race last season after finishing 2nd at the Masters meet. What do you remember most about the state meet race and what was your reaction as you approached the line for the victory?
Ever since the beginning of my track season I was thinking about winning the 1600 at state. The masters meet was like a preview for state and it was a good opportunity to learn from my mistakes and race the way I needed to the following weekend. Coming across that line in first was the greatest feeling in the world and I knew all the hard work that I had put into that season had finally paid off.
5) Looking back at your first three years of Cross Country, what are your proudest achievements in the sport?
My proudest achievement in cross country would be finishing 4th overall at the state meet last year and qualifying for Nike Cross Nationals. Even though I was injured for three weeks in the middle of that season and not able to run, I was still able to come back and finish stronger at the end of the season than I had the year before.
6) How did you get your start in running? What were some of your PRs heading into high school?
I started running in 7th grade with Students Run LA- that is when I ran the LA Marathon. In 8th grade I joined a club running team called Wildcats and my PR in the 1500 was 4:47.
7) What does a typical training week look like for you with a Saturday Invitational? Longest run distance? Typical pace for most runs? Any morning runs? Strength work?
A typical training week before a race consists of a couple workouts, core/strength, and a couple of recovery runs. The only thing we don't do on weeks before races are long runs because those are normally on Saturdays. We will only do morning runs on hot days and I normally don't do more than 45 miles for the whole week (that applies for weeks that we don't have a race as well).
8) Who is your coach and how has he helped you develop to your current level?
My coach is Pattie Fasola and she has been with me and helped developed me throughout my whole high school career. I am thankful for everything she has done for me and for getting me this far in my career!
9) Favorite XC course? Favorite XC invitational? Favorite XC workout? Favorite long run? Favorite track invitational? Favorite track event? Favorite track workout? Favorite opponents? Favorite free time activity?
My favorite XC course is the state course at Woodward Park and my favorite invite would have to be Woodbridge because so many people come from other states and it has really great competition for a beginning of the season meet. I also love mile repeats which many people find hard to believe and I love doing long runs on this one horse trial close to my neighborhood. I love all track invites and my favorite event is the1600/mile. I love any good competition because they push me to run faster and run better times. I love photography and adventure travel:).
10) Throughout your high school career, who are the runners that helped you become a better runner (could be teammates or opponents)?
My teammate Briar was a great training partner last year and I really miss her now that she is in college! Honestly anyone that I am able to run with and that can push me have helped me be a better runner throughout my high school career. I am grateful for competitors like Destiny that can push me to run faster times.
11) Now that you are a senior runner, what would your advice be for a young talented runner with goals of being one of the best in California and beyond?
As a senior, I would say to a talented freshman runner that being focused and having an exact goal in mind for yourself is very important. Experience is also important and that will come with the races you will race throughout your career.
12) Anything else you would like to add.
Thanks so much!!!
