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When the voting concluded for the week three Minnesota Boys and Girls Runner of the Week, Emmett Gerres was voted boys runner of the week for a second time and Iris Guider of Saint Paul Central came out on top in some competitive polls!
How does it feel to be voted Minnesota Girls Runner of the Week?
It is such a privilege and an honor to even be included in the poll, but to win it feels like such an accomplishment. It gives me more motivation to work even harder!
What sort of training has led to a season in which you have already posted two victories and multiple top-five finishes?
Getting my mileage in consistently this summer, plus putting in hard work in speed workouts and hill workouts has strengthened my ability to have success in the races I've had so far this year.
What has been the highlight of your senior season so far?
Of my senior season so far, I would say the best part is having the opportunity to race great courses/races and give it my all in the sport that I love. I have learned to not take anything for granted this season, and work my hardest to be successful!
Moving forward, what are your goals for the rest of the season?
For the rest of the season, some of my biggest goals are to keep improving and working hard. I also think it would be great to place high at state!
Does your team have any goals for the rest of the season?
My team wants to continue to have strong races and get PRs, and ultimately have fun. We think that is very possible as we are continuing to set goals and work hard.
How does it feel to be voted Minnesota Boys Runner of the Week?
It feels amazing to be recognized for my accomplishments even amongst so many other great runners. I'm very proud of all my accomplishments this year and am very excited for the rest of the season.
What has your training been like leading into such a breakout season?
My training this year was a little different than normal. Coming off of a successful track season, my confidence and excitement for cross country was very high. I had started my summer training like normal, but due to a high ankle sprain, I wasn't able to run and put on as many miles. I put in a lot of work the last 2 months of summer attempting to make up for the lost time. I would wake up in the morning and either go for a run or have a weight room session. On days I had weight room, I would run at night. On days I ran in the morning, I would either rest or go for a long bike ride in the evening.
Coming off of three consecutive first-place finishes, how do you plan to keep the momentum going?
The last 3 races I've really focused on running my own race. It's important for me to not change my race strategy based on other runners going out fast or any factors like that. If I continue to focus on my race and working hard in practice, I'm very confident I can continue winning and hopefully start PRing
Moving forward, what are your goals for the rest of the season?
My individual goals are to win the next 3 meets which will bring me to state. There are some phenomenal runners in section 2AA and Class AA but my ultimate goal would be to become a state champ. I also would really like to PR 1 or 2 more times this year.
What are some team goals for the rest of the season?
The team has 2 big goals this year. Number 1, we all are student-athletes and the big goal is to have no academic ineligible men. We want every person to be passing all their classes. Number 2, is for the team to go to state. We have had many talented teams in our history but never has a Belle Plaine men's team gone to state. The team would like nothing more than for this to be our first year ever. We have been working towards our first state berth for many many years.