Claire who? Remember this blog when you see this young lady crossing the finish line on the blue oval time and time again as a state champion. Is that too much pressure for a high school freshman? Maybe, but Claire has been there and done that all along the way. Claire is already a 3-event state champion in the 100, 200, and 400 in blazing times of 12.90, 26.52, and 58.35…as a middle schooler. She was getting ready to make her big debut on the high school stage when the season was abruptly put on hold. I caught up with the freshman from Norwalk to talk to her about the season and how she is handling the wait to start her high school career.
Question 1: What do you miss most with the current suspension of the season?
Answer: I honestly miss the team aspect and being able to practice every day because I know that if I was having a bad day, running and having supportive teammates and coaches around me would really cheer me up! And meet days of course although they make me nervous once I step on the track I feel at home!
Question 2: What were you looking forward to most as a freshman?
Answer: I was looking forward to being able to prove myself as a high schooler, and just enjoying the season and my team.
Question 3: Do you consider yourself more of a short sprinter (100/200) or a long sprinter (200/400)?
Answer: I enjoy all three of my events which include both long and short sprints, but I favor the 400 because it is the most challenging physically and mentally. Overall, I consider myself a sprinter of both long and short-range.
Question 4: What is your favorite workout to do on your own at the track or away from the track?
Answer: At home my favorite workouts include plyometrics, lifting weights with my dad, and just going out on runs. While on the track I like running block drills and repeat 200s.
Question 5: What advice do you have for anyone out there struggling to stay motivated?
Answer: Continue to work hard and better yourself. Although times have been rough, continuing to train really benefits you in the long run.
Thank you to Claire for sharing and I am excited to see her on the track again soon!