Emily Covert is a 2019 graduate of Minneapolis Washburn High School. She now runs for the University of Colorado. Here are some of her
career highlights:
- High School PRs: 1600m- 4:47.34 (3rd fastest of decade, 4th MN all-time), 1 mile- 4:56.30, 3200m- 10:06.19 (fastest MN all-time without conversion), 2 mile- 10:05.19 (fastest 3200m MN all-time via conversion)
- New Balance Nationals Outdoor Runner-up 2-mile (2018)
- Class AA State Champion 3200m (2018)
- Class AA State Runner-up 3200m (2017) & 1600m (2018)
- Class AA State Medalist 3200m (2016, 19)
- Class AA State Medalist 1600m (2017)
- 4x Section 6AA Champion 3200m (2015, 17-19)
- Section 6 AA Champion 1600m (2018)
Discuss the transition from high school competition to competing at the college level. What adjustments have you had to make in order to be as successful as possible?
In order to be successful in college, I try to stay consistent in my training. I take my easy days really easy and my hard days really hard to prevent injury and maximize the aerobic benefit from the harder workouts.
Tell us about your training regimen by giving a general overview of what goes into getting prepared for your next big event.
On Monday we typically have an easy day where we can go as slow as we want to get ready for Tuesdays harder session and Wednesdays Middle Distance run. On Thursday we have another easy day to get ready for a harder session on Friday and Sundays long run.
What athletic-based goals do you hope to accomplish during this upcoming year?
This coming up year, I want to help my team at the NCAA championships, and I want to throw down some respectable times on the track.
How has your training and schedule changed because of the current pandemic?
Training hasn't changed much; the biggest difference is that I can't meet with my teammates and coaches anymore. However, this pandemic hasn't changed my effort or my goals for this coming up year.
Do you have any advice that you can offer an incoming freshman on how to best deal with the higher level of competition they'll encounter at the college level? Also, what tips can you provide regarding the balance between training commitments and academic demands?
I definitely want the incoming freshmen to trust the
process. Take the competition around you and work with it. Work with your
teammates and trust your coaches. In regard to balancing school and academics,
I suggest carrying a planner with you and writing in it consistently. I use a
planner to remind me of important dates on and off the track.
