(Photo provided by Kayla Rudie)
First of all, how did you first start running?
I first started running the summer going into sixth grade. My mom and I started running together! My older sister was involved in running, and I probably would have never joined if it wasn't for her.
What are all your personal records, including cross country?
3200-11:09
1600- 5:09
800-2:23
5k(XC)- 18:14
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I have been playing basketball ever since kindergarten! We are starting sections this week and have a decent chance of making it to State! It is fun to switch it up a little instead of running year-round. It can get a little chaotic at times with running and basketball, but I am glad I stayed in basketball through high school.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
My most memorable competition would be Nike Cross Nationals this past year. The atmosphere is so incredible and they treat you like professional athletes for four days! Knowing that it was the last race I will ever run as a Cardinal, the mud, and atmosphere, made it the most memorable race I have ever ran in.
Other than your own talented teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
I like to compete against the Edina girls because my team matches up well with them and they give us a challenge!
Having wrapped up a pretty historic high school cross country career, what reflections, lessons, or memories will you take away most from your experiences?
There are too many memories to count! I think I will take away the closeness that my team had. It makes such a difference on a sports team if there is team unity. We can be ourselves around each other and I would consider them some of my best friends. I think that may have helped us when we were racing!
Sophie Schmitz, Rudie, Jessa Hanson, and Serena Monson after finishing fourth place in the Class AA 4x800; all four return in 2017 (Photo provided by Kayla Rudie)
What has it been like to have teammates like Jessa Hanson and Sophie Schmitz whom you've been running with for your whole high school careers and who have steadily improved each year along with you?
I don't think I would be the runner I am without Sophie and Jessa. We always train together, push each other, and look out for one another. They are both really hard workers who I have been fortunate enough to be teammates with. It is cool to see all of us improve throughout the years; I have been running with them for 7 years!
What are your main goals for this upcoming season?
One of my goals for this upcoming season is to make it to State.
Edina just became the first Minnesota team ever to break 9 minutes in the 4x800. Considering how talented your distance squad is, do you think Willmar might have a chance to do the same this spring?
Edina is a very talented 800 running team no doubt. They are really solid in the 4x800, and breaking 9:00 is crazy and would be so fun for us to do since we have been cutting time each year, it would be the ultimate goal!
Do you have any college plans yet?
And speaking of college, I actually just made my decision last night (February 28th)! I plan to attend Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee to run and pursue a degree in either Dietetics or Nursing. I am so excited!
What were the things that drew you toward Lipscomb for your college choice?
I had a very difficult time deciding where to go to college, I was very stressed about it! Honestly I would have never pictured myself going to college so far away, especially Tennessee! It was always in the back of my mind in the fall and I decided to visit it in January not thinking I would like it as much as I did. I absolutely loved everything about it and it just felt so right! The coaches, Christian community, academics, and team were all huge factors in my decision. Nashville is also a very cool city! I am so excited to see what the future has in store for me!
(Photo provided by Kayla Rudie)
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
I am not a very superstitious person, but some of my teammates are. I always have to eat oatmeal or pancakes for my race day breakfast, and my teammates and I always apply Vicks to ourselves before every race! I'm not sure if it actually helps us or if it is just a mental thing.
What was the inspiration for that Vicks tradition?
The Vicks tradition has been around for a while! It actually started with me when I got sick and used it to clear my airways, and other girls started to do it, and it just kind of stuck!
When not accumulating miles or turning left, what might we find you doing?
When I am not running, you may find me hanging out with my friends, watching Netflix, or baking!
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
A bizarre fact about myself is that I know every single word of "Fergalicious".
