Caitlin Covington of Perham Class of 2019
Personal Records:
800m - 2:24 relay split
1600m - 5:11.64
3200m - 11:52.62
4K (xc) - 15:11.00
5K (xc) - 18:59.00
XC State 2016 - 24th
XC State 2015 - 26th
XC State 2014 - 42nd
XC State 2013 - 92nd
T&F State 2017 - 3200 12th
T&F State 2016 - 1600 13th, 4x800 Relay 4th
T&F State 2015 - 3200 10th
T&F State 2014 - 4x800 Relay 14th
What sports did you play growing up?
Ever since 4th grade, I've always had the passion to run because of my mom. I tried basketball in 5th and 6th grade, and won a free throw shooting contest. I was also in taekwondo and ballet. When my high school career started, I devoted myself to be a runner: fall, winter, and spring.
Who are the top seven girl runners for Perham?
Girls top 7: Everyone who is willing to be their very best and to give it their all for their teammates.
The coaching team of Jeff Morris, Kay Morris, Brent Hanson, and Penny Birkeland is recognized by many as one of the best in the state. Beyond training what do they do that makes them wonderful?
They are just all out wonderful people. Each of them makes everyone on this team feel special. They all have other lives outside of this sport, and it's just amazing to see.
My coaches care deeply about other people and they get us to believe in ourselves when we don't. They take time and listen to our issues outside of this sport and try to support us the best they can, and they always challenge us to do better and to push ourselves to our limits.
Your sister Brynnan Covington, now at North Dakota State University, was a ten-time state qualifier to the state meet. You have now qualified eight times. How has she helped you in the past? Have you been able to help her? Are there any other family members who have inspired you girls? Please give me their names and accomplishments and tell how they inspired or educated you?
Ever since we were little, Brynnan and I would always push each other to be our very best. My dad (David Covington) always encouraging me to do my best. My mom (Raeanna Covington) was in national cross country running in 1988 and has continued to run throughout her life including 4 marathons and qualifying for the Boston this past May. She encourages us to never give up and that anything is possible if you just give it your all.
My oldest brother Tristan was a state 800 meter runner. My oldest sister Ciarrin Sailer was one of Perham's best team leaders who I want to model myself after. And she was on a state qualifying team for 5 years as well as a state track competitor 3 times.
How has your training changed over the many years you have been a runner?
My training over the years has definitely improved. I now realize how important training is. The older I get the more miles I run. Summer and winter training is very important because even if you don't run for a few days it does reflect on your season.
What are the most common mistakes you see inexperienced runners making?
The biggest mistake beginning runners make is over doing it, and later hurting themselves. If you look closely... usually in the beginning of the races you see a few runners just bolting it out.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout for Cross Country would have to be mile repeats, because it's not only physically hard but also mentally hard. It pushes us and that's what happens when we race too.
Do you do any sprint training or do you prefer to stick to speed endurance workouts?
Our coach will have us do speedy workouts every so often. It usually depends on how we finish our last part of our races. If we run a bad last 400 to 800 we will work on that, or we usually do endurance stuff, like mile repeats with a 400 tag or something like that.
Who are your favorite athletes?
My favorite athlete from any sport would have to be Gabe Grunewald (Anderson) because she has showed everyone that even if you are at your worst time you can still get out there and show the world how good you are. She never gives up, no matter what the situation. She will continue to run even when she's in severe condition, and to me that's what a true athlete is.
What spikes, shoes, apparel, etc. do you wear?
I love Nike. I run in Nike shoes, Nike socks, and wear Nike running clothes.
I am a true Nike fan!
What is your diet like?
Well, I don't really have a diet. I usually just eat whatever, whenever I want. But my parents will usually make pasta race week and I will usually eat it everyday until race day, because to me... pasta never can get old. My mom will usually make me two PB&J sandwiches the day of my races. One is for lunch and one I eat an hour before I run.
Tell us about your race strategy?
I don't really have a race strategy I just go out there and run what I am capable of running. I go out there and cross that finish line knowing that I've done my absolute best for my teammates.
The first two miles you just try to keep a constant pace and the last mile you run your heart out. Going out hard has never worked for me, because once I get past the 3200 meter mark I usually die. So I usually just sit during the first 800 to see where everyone is at, and then I'll start to break apart from a pack, or try to catch up to one that is in front of me. This way I can push myself the hardest and get the most out of myself.
What are your predictions for the state meet? Who do you see competing for the individual and state crowns?
First, we have to get there. We have to compete in the section meet to get to the state meet and if we make it to state I can see all of our runners running our absolute bests. We hope to score high in the rankings with running our absolute bests. I don't really see a specific person or team competing for the state title or crowns just anyone who is willing to give it there all and mix it up with the pack.
Do you have any plans for after high school?
My dream would be to be a part of a college running team and to get a full ride for it. My dream is to be an orthodontist. It is a lot of work but I know but I am willing to work my very hardest. I like teeth, and whenever I say that people usually look and stare, but it's just a love I've always dreamed of doing.
