Interview With Alyssa Lind

(Photo provided by Alyssa Lind)

First of all, how did you first get involved with track & field?

My parents urged me to go out for middle school track in 6th grade, and I've been doing it ever since.

What are all your personal records?

200- 25.93

400- 57.52 (from sophomore year; I didn't get much of a chance to break it for my open last year, but I hope to beat it this year)

4x800 split- 2:15 (State)

4x400 relay split- 55.77 (State, coaches split)

4x200 relay split- 25.45 (Hamline Elite)

4x100 relay split- 11.99 (Section Final)

Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?

I do not. I used to do volleyball in middle school and other various sports when I was little, but track was the only thing that stuck.

What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?

Probably the State Meet last year (my junior year) when I anchored the 4x400 and we got 2nd in State.

With how fast you can run the 800 meters, I'm surprised you don't run the open 800 more often. Is that a conscious choice, a strategic decision, or is that just the way the dice has rolled?

It's not that my coach wouldn't love to have me doing it, but more that I prefer the shorter races. I'm sure I will end up doing it more in the future though short sprints are much more fun for me.

Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?

Maddie Gourley, who is graduated, and Honour Finley, who really push me as I often compete against her since she's from the other Bloomington school.

Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?

Definitely my coaches and teammates; Molly Roach has been there with me from the start and always pushes me to do better.

What are your main goals for this upcoming track season?

I hope to really improve my personal records at the moment.

 

(Photo provided by Alyssa Lind)

You've run at State several times, but always on relays. Do you have hopes to make it back to State in any individual events?

Yes, this year I hope to go in my open 400. Last year we were focusing more on relays so we could get as much of our team to State as we possible and it was super fun doing that. I also am going to try running some more 200's throughout the season so we'll see what happens with that.

Do you have any college plans?

I will be running track at NDSU (North Dakota State University).

What were your biggest attractions to attend NDSU?

It's a great program and a highly competitive school being Division I, but it also is not quite as big as some other schools. Also it just has such a fun and comfortable atmosphere with really friendly people and coaches.

Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?

I like to eat a few almonds before a race to keep my stomach settled.

What is your usual pre-meet meal?

I don't really have a specific meal. I sometimes don't eat very much right before meets because my stomach gets unsettled easily, so I usually just snack on almonds.

When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?

Hanging out with my friends and family or eating at Punch Pizza.

Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.

When I was little I got my tongue stuck to a freezer door in the grocery store.