(Images by Marguerite)
First of all, how did you first start as a
runner?
I started running the fall of my sophomore year. Before that I was involved in softball and volleyball every year. The summer of 2013 I ran a couple 5ks but running was not really my thing. When my sister, decided to join cross country fall of 2013, my volleyball season didn't look like we would be successful in the next couple of years. So the following year, I decided to join cross country, and from cross country I then decided to do track in the spring. And I found I really enjoyed it and was decently good too.
What are all your personal records, including cross country?
5k: 18:03 at Nike Regionals in Sioux Falls, SD
2 mile: 11: 18
1 mile: 5:15
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I started volleyball and softball when I was in seventh grade and played up through tenth grade.
So if running wasn't really your thing when you first started cross country, did you ever think you would be as successful as you have been or enjoying it so much?
I honestly did not know what I was getting myself into. I wasn't sure what to think but once I started running everybody was just so nice and welcoming, it became like family. I never thought I would have been successful and having a career out of it. All because I decided to quit volleyball and softball which was hard but looking back is so worth it.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
That was when I raced at the Nike Regionals Meet in Sioux Falls, SD in November 2016. It was a week after Minnesota State Tournament and I wasn't satisfied with how State turned out, and then my sister mentioned Nike Regionals, so I just did it.
What was different between State and the NXN regional last fall that made the latter so successful compared to the former?
Realizing a medal doesn't define who I am but really my sportsmanship and character really show through. At state, I just worn out and all the nerves and pressure dragged me down, and then placing 11th(one away from a medal) really taught me something. It was hard but a medal is truly just materialistic pieces. A lot of coaches came up to me and told me good job after state and I knew it didn't go how I wanted but I put everything out there and I couldn't go.
Who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
My favorite athletes are the ones who are determined just like I am. It is always fun to race against girls from neighboring schools because you know them by name.
(Images by Marguerite)
With your sister having had such a successful
running career, do you ever feel extra pressure or higher expectations about
your running?
Yeah, it's kind of a competition, but altogether we are supportive of each over. We have conversations about running and we both can understand which is great because our parents who have never run before don't understand some things. But together we really are strong but definitely have the competitive sides.
What do you think is your favorite or most effective workout you've done?
It's hard to say, but probably when I worked out with my sister. She always challenges me and I am so close to beating her so together we both fight.
What are your main goals for this upcoming season?
For track, I want to beat my personal times and just have a successful senior year.
What are your plans for college?
I will be attending South Dakota State University (SDSU) running on both cross country and track programs majoring in Dairy Science.
What things attracted you to SDSU the most?
I live on a Dairy farm and they have a good agriculture department, they just built a huge indoor track and have a lot of modern technology, and lastly my sister is there and I want to run with her again.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track (or XC course)?
I live on an organic dairy farm so I'm always busy helping around the farm. Either milking, feeding, cleaning, or taking care of the chickens.
When not running mile after mile after mile, what might we find you doing?
I enjoy being in the kitchen, either mixing up some sweet treats or making supper for the family. During cross country, the team was always happy when they got cookies after a difficult workout or long run.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I make my own yogurt! Being in the kitchen I really enjoy.
