Track Archives • St. Luke's School

2024 Indoor Track Season

Joseph Tiemann-Mena — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:33:00 +0000

No Off Season for Track Athletes.

T
his year marks the third season of indoor track at St. Luke's Episcopal School, offering students an exciting opportunity to compete in a unique athletic environment. Led by two dedicated coaches, Coach Russell and Coach Mathison, the program reflects the school’s commitment to fostering both athletic and personal growth.

Indoor track is similar to outdoor track but features key differences. Competitions are held indoors, with shorter distances tailored to smaller venues, and shot put is the only throwing event included. The tighter, banked turns demand precision and adaptability from athletes, adding a technical challenge to each race. While practices take place on the school’s outdoor track, the team competes at the Crossplex in Birmingham. This professional facility inspires students to rise to the occasion, offering a high-energy environment that enhances their performance.

The program has already seen notable accomplishments in its brief history. Last year, Garrett Dolbear set a state record in the 400-meter dash, a remarkable feat that brought pride to the entire school. Alex Prieto showcased his prowess in field events by winning state in discus and placing first in shot put. Additionally, Brooks Musial earned second place in shot put at the state competition. These achievements underscore the exceptional talent and dedication of St. Lukes’ athletes and set a high standard for future participants.

The sport’s inclusive nature allows students of all skill levels to participate, fostering a strong sense of community. Practices are collaborative, with athletes encouraging one another regardless of experience. Whether discovering hidden talents or refining existing skills, students are united by shared goals and mutual respect. This camaraderie strengthens the team and exemplifies the welcoming spirit of St. Lukes. The inclusive environment ensures that everyone, from seasoned runners to beginners, has the chance to grow and contribute to the team’s success.

Beyond physical development, the sport cultivates vital mental discipline. Athletes set goals and work consistently to achieve them, gaining confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Whether improving race times or perfecting shot put technique, every success reflects their hard work and determination. These lessons in goal-setting and resilience prepare students for challenges both on and off the track. The skills they acquire through indoor track serve them in academics, personal endeavors, and future careers, making their participation both meaningful and impactful.

Competing at the Crossplex enhances the experience for athletes. The professional atmosphere motivates students to push their limits and connect with the broader track community. For many, stepping onto a professional track for the first time is both exciting and inspiring, creating lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the sport. The high-level competition fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment that stays with athletes long after the season ends.

As the season progresses, the indoor track team is already making a positive impact on the school’s athletic culture. Their unwavering commitment to the sport sets an example of determination and spirit, demonstrating what can be achieved through dedication. Whether running their first race or mastering a new skill, these athletes embody the core values of St. Lukes. Their efforts contribute to a vibrant and dynamic athletic program that continues to grow and evolve.

The introduction of indoor track represents more than just a new sport—it’s a significant step toward providing students with meaningful opportunities to grow, compete, and succeed. With strong leadership and a supportive community, the program is poised to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring future students to embrace the challenge and rewards of indoor track. The school’s investment in this program highlights its dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals who strive for excellence both on and off the track.

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Indoor Track and Field

Avery Van Alstine — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 20:38:01 +0000

O
ne of our more unknown sports at St. Luke’s is Indoor Track & Field. I recently contacted Coach Russell, St. Luke’s cross-country and indoor track coach, and asked him about what competing in indoor track & field was like. Although the names are similar to traditional track & field and indoor track & field, there are many differences.

Like traditional Track & Field, Indoor Track consists of running, jumping, and throwing events and culminates in a state championship. The Indoor Track season precedes Outdoor though and is held during the winter months inside enclosed facilities. There is currently only one facility in Birmingham that is used for the AHSAA Indoor season so there is a lot of travel involved for our team to compete in meets. The biggest difference is the environment in which the sport takes place. With the traditional track season, athletes compete outside during the spring with weather potentially acting as a major factor (wind, rain, heat, etc). However, when competing during Indoor track season athletes perform inside enclosed facilities during the winter and avoid all environmental factors. Another major difference is that indoor tracks are 200 meters long, while outdoor tracks are 400 meters long, so during indoor meets, athletes run the same distance with twice as many curves.

Although performances are in an enclosed facility, Indoor includes a good amount of the events found in the traditional track season such as long jump, triple jump, shot put, pole vault, 4x400m relay, 4x800m relay, 400m, 800m, etc. However, some fun events are unique to Indoor because of the smaller-sized track. These include the 60m sprint, 4x200m relay, and 60m hurdles. Throwing events are also limited in the indoor season. For safety reasons, only rubber shots are allowed for shot put (as opposed to brass or steel) and the javelin/discus events are excluded entirely.

The Birmingham Crossplex is the only facility used for competition, so athletes practice and condition the same way as in Outdoor season and simply travel up to Birmingham to compete in meets. To qualify for the Indoor State Championship, athletes have to compete in at least one Indoor Meet and meet the minimum standards in their events. Having an Indoor track season in the winter helps athletes transition into the outdoor season more smoothly. It allows track athletes earlier exposure to conditioning, strong competitors/potential rivals, injury prevention, and great performances.

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St. Luke’s Seniors Sign To Collegiate Athletics

Kelly Choi — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 21:15:33 +0000

St. Luke's Senior Athletic Signing Day.

I
t’s true! One of the most exciting moments for a student-athlete is deciding where to take their talents to the next level. Years of hard work have led to this moment, and it’s time to celebrate our athletes’ important decisions. St. Luke’s celebrated our first three senior signings on February 6, 2023: Haley Patterson, Andrew Burchett, and Taylor Jackson (more signings are coming soon!).

Haley Patterson

Kennesaw State University Volleyball

Haley Patterson will be playing volleyball at Kennesaw State University. She decided to attend KSU because she really liked the campus, and the coaches and team were very welcoming and nice.

St. Luke’s Varsity Volleyball helped prepare Haley for the next level by teaching her about hard work and discipline. Her teammates would likely describe her as even-keeled, driven, responsible, and funny. One of her strengths is that she doesn’t let things get to her while on the court, like missing a hit or shanking a ball. Haley has learned a great deal about teamwork over the years: no matter how hard you try, you can’t do it all on your own.

Outside of sports, Haley loves going to the beach, going out on the boat, shopping for clothes, and hanging out with friends. In 5 years, she hopes to have a good job.

Andrew Burchett

Emory University Track and Field

Andrew Burchett will be running track and field at Emory University. He decided to attend Emory because he wanted to go somewhere with amazing academics that also had a running program that would allow him to continue to improve for the next four years. He also felt like he fit into their program, unlike any of the other schools he toured.

St. Luke’s helped mold Andrew to become a better leader. He says, "At bigger schools where people don't know each other as well, leaders are typically distinguished solely by their ability." However, at St. Luke's, your respect is earned on other merits as well, such as accountability and dedication. As a new teammate at St. Luke’s, he had to quickly learn how to earn the trust and respect of others and says, "As a new teammate, I found out quickly that simply being good at my sport wasn't enough to gain their respect. I had to earn it each and every day. That meant working hard at practice, handling little things such as the warm-up with precision and respect, showing up to team events and functions, and supporting my other teammates even when I may not have done my best." His teammates would agree that he expects the best from them, and that Andrew will support and respect anyone who puts in the effort.

Andrew has enjoyed watching the running community at St. Luke’s grow in such a short time and says, "When I first got on campus, the team was proud of making it to state. Now, winning is expected, and, as a result, the program has gained interest from others who may not have given track and field a shot."

He admits that he possesses various gifts that give him an advantage when running: longer Achilles tendons and narrow hips make his strides more efficient, and long legs give him a longer stride length. But his greatest strength is his obsession with running. He says, "Many people are motivated for a short period of time, while others are disciplined and are able to continue even when it gets hard. However, obsession is different. Whereas those who are motivated or disciplined are motivated to work, obsession makes work seem like second nature; the alternative is too absurd to think about. I constantly ask myself what I can do to be just a little bit better. Once I figure that part out, I obsess over the minutiae of how I get there. For me, doing something well or winning a race isn't enough. I work until failure simply isn't possible."

When he isn't running, Andrew enjoys hobbies that allow him to constantly improve and compete.He loves going to speech and debate tournaments and noticing his improvement in public speaking. He’s a huge fan of cooking and learning new recipes. Each time he cooks, it’s an opportunity to try new things while becoming comfortable with what is familiar. Last but not least, Andrew enjoys lifting because it improves his track ability, but it's also a great way for him to build self-confidence and challenge himself physically in ways other than track.

5 years from now, Andrew wants to still be working just as hard and hopes to go to law school.

Taylor Jackson

Spring Hill College Cross Country/Track and Field

Taylor Jackson will run track and cross-country at Spring Hill College. She chose Spring Hill because it felt like home to her even during her first campus tour in 9th grade. The size of the school really stood out to her because she knows the importance of that one-on-one relationship with teachers and coaches. Also, being close to home while also getting to experience college by living on campus made the decision easy.

Taylor only started her running career two years ago, but the lack of time pushed her to work even harder. When she started, she never imagined having the chance to run in college, but the stars aligned, and the program seems like the perfect fit for her. Coach Russell was exactly what she needed to get her running career off to a good start. She appreciates that he has always been patient with her and Charlie Anne but pushed them to adapt quickly and expected success. Coach Jones's experience and positivity have helped Taylor on her hardest days.

The St. Luke’s running community has been more than Taylor ever dreamed of, creating the most amazing friendships in just two short years. Taylor says, "The St. Luke’s Cross Country and Track program accepted me and my inexperience from the very beginning. I was allowed to develop my love of running without any judgment. While practices and races continue to be challenging and require extreme toughness, I have learned from the program to respect that challenge and turn it into something I love." The shared experience of running brings Taylor so much joy.

While running is something that she is fairly new to, Taylor believes that, as a captain and runner, her teammates would say that she brings all of her efforts and drive every single day and that she’s passionate and committed. She says, "I do not see running as something that I do once a day and forget about it. Running is a part of my lifestyle, and it is something I put lots of thought into and appreciate. I realize how much effort and mental toughness are required to get better, and I am not afraid of giving it all that I have."

Even though runners race for their own personal bests, Taylor realizes that teamwork is vital to performance. She says, "The runs don't seem as brutal when you are sharing the experience with your team. Besides the best memories, I hope that I will leave my team with just one thing: I hope I’ve shown them that there is no place I’d rather be than running with each of them."

In 5 years, Taylor hopes to be one step closer to med school—and still running, always running!

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Charlie Anne Runs Toward Success

Connie Jackson — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:21:25 +0000

Charlie Anne Wins Larry Hall Memorial Award.

A
fter wrapping up her senior cross country season, Charlie Anne Phillips received an award that is near and dear to her heart. She was awarded the Larry Hall Memorial Award at the All-County Banquet. The Larry Hall Memorial Award (for girls) and the Charlie Spencer Memorial Award (for boys) are awarded to runners based on leadership, scholastics, and stellar representation of the running community, school and team.

But what makes this award even more special? Charlie Spencer, Charlie Anne’s uncle & namesake, was also a beloved member of the running community. He joined the Auburn cross country team after transferring from Bevill State. Spencer was a member of the 2000 Bevill State National Champion cross country team and the 1998 Murphy High School 6A State Champion cross country team. While home for Thanksgiving break 2002, Charlie passed away while on a run with his three dogs. In order to keep his memory alive, Charlie Anne was named after him and was destined to have the same love for running.

During her time as a Wildcat, Charlie Anne cheered for 4-years and started running her sophomore year. She always knew she wanted to run, but felt like she didn’t have friends to do it with until she was convinced by Mohammed Shahrouj (Class of 2022) to put on her favorite running shoes (Saucony) and run for St. Luke’s. She hasn’t stopped running since.

With so many miles on her shoes, Charlie Anne has found that running is also a stress reliever. She always has the desire to run even on cold, early mornings. It doesn’t hurt that she has a strong running support network made up of her team and family. She contributes a lot of her success to being a part of a team composed of the most supportive and encouraging people. Her parents are also some of her biggest supporters as they never miss a race!

What’s next for Charlie Anne? Charlie Anne is looking forward to indoor track season and then outdoor track season. She is still keeping her options open for possibly running in college.

Charlie Anne has been an incredible captain of the cross country team helping lead the way to St. Luke’s first ever state championship for running.

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Wildcats Indoor Track & Field

Connie Jackson — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 01:50:27 +0000

Indoor Track Runs Strong at St. Luke's.

Did you know that St. Luke’s has a new indoor track program? Senior, Andrew Burchett had a big role in making this new sport become a reality at St. Luke’s. Andrew previously came from a school that had a fairly large indoor track program. When he realized that St. Luke’s did not have an indoor track program, but saw how many students were involved with the Track & Field team, he began petitioning Coach Russell and the school to add the program. Andrew says, “ I'd like to take a lot of credit for the team, but all I can truly say is I only offered the idea; all of the true work to make it possible was done by the athletic department and administrators.”

In most cases, indoor track is simply a way to prepare athletes for outdoor track and field. Some schools take it very seriously, others use it as a way to transition for the spring season. Competition is the best way of getting better.

The team had a great turnout for their first meet and more interest seems to be rising by the day. Alex Portella and Devan Bailey are top 20 in 1A-3A shot put, Elly Musial is top 10 in 1A-3A shot put, Brooks Musial is top 25 in 1A-3A shot put. Andrew Burchett is currently 1st in 1A-3A in the 400 and 800 and 42nd in the US for the 800.

Andrew says, “More than anything I feel honored to be part of ‘the first.’ It's a little bitter sweet knowing this is my last year with high school indoor track, but being around others who have the opportunity to try it out for the first time reminds me why I got into the sport in the first place.” Andrew’s hope is that St. Luke’s continues using indoor track as a way of improving while having fun with it.

The next indoor track meets will be January 16th and 28th. Then, those that quality will run at the Indoor State Championships. The inaugural indoor track team members are: Andrew Burchett, Garrett Dolbear, Jake Davis, Mathew Hoang, Bailey Cumpton, Benjamin Cumpton, Jae Anna Gaston, Kennedy Johnson, Charlie Anne Philips, Taylor Jackson, Rowan Yeager, Alex Portella, Elly Musial, Devan Bailey, and Alex Prieto.

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2022 Track & Field Seniors

Hannah Uptigrove — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 21:40:40 +0000

More Than Athletes.

Andrew Le

Andrew Le has been a part of the track and field team for 5-years. After doing relays in middle school PE, he realized that he loved running and has been running ever since. Being an athlete has taught him so much about time management and helped make him a better student.

Andrew enjoys being a part of our track and field team because he loves hanging out and bonding with his teammates. This team makes him feel like he is part of the family as they give him their love and support to have the motivation to run. Practice makes perfect, but sometimes practices can be long. To make practice fun, the team always tries to not think about how hard the workout really is or how bad the pain is so they find something to talk about and make jokes and laugh until their stomachs hurt! One of the things that Andrew will miss most is the fun team dinners on the field, sitting in lawn chairs, eating pasta, playing games and listening to music!

Andrew is blessed with a great support system. Coach Russel has been such an important part of Andrew’s journey because he has always pushed him beyond his limits even when he feels like giving up and makes sure he finishes strong. He is thankful for Coach Russell’s constant positive attitude and encouraging him to work harder and to be optimistic. Andrew gets his inspiration from his mom because she always supports him to do his best and pushes him to become a better athlete. Because of his great support system, Andrew will continue his running career at Birmingham Southern College.

We will miss Andrew’s bright light and the way he brings people together. Don’t ever forget “Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat.”

Mohammed Shahrouj

Mohammed Shahrouj has been on the track and field team for only 2-years. He decided to become part of the team because he likes running and pushing himself past comfort. Being an athlete has taught him how to focus on his goals and that hard work helps you achieve them.

Mo is thankful that Coach Russell has been a great coach and has allowed the captains to lead and he always pushes them to give 110%. His co-captain, Andrew, has inspired him because he has grown so much as a leader. When Mo needs extra motivation, he recites one of his favorite lines, “It’s about drive. It’s about power. We stay hungry. We devour. We put in the work and we put in the hours.”

After high school, Mo will run for Spring Hill College. Go Badgers!

Mohammed, you have left a lot of footprints at St. Luke’s and will always be a Wildcat!

Jaylon Womack

Jaylon Womack just joined the Track & Field Team this year & they were so excited to have him (and his speed!) He decided to join the team to have the opportunity to become faster, the motivating workouts and the competitiveness (oh…and hot yoga!) Athletics have taught him time management.

To make those early morning 5:00 a.m. hill runs more enjoyable, Jaylon and his teammates make random noises to laugh.

Jaylon really appreciates Coach Russell’s commitment to helping him achieve his goals of beating his own times. Being fast is something he will always need for any sport in the future.

We hope you loved being on the team as much as they loved having you! You will do great things!

Jake Keesee

Jake Keesee has been on the Track and Field team for 5-years as a thrower. He started this sport as a fun pastime between football season and then he grew to love it. He will always fondly remember the fun road trips and attending State. He says the best things about being on the T&F team is that it’s always a fun environment, meets are extremely competitive and your success is determined by your own actions. Jake has really been inspired by his time with Mary Alice because she was a thrower in college and he has learned a lot from her.

Track and Field has opened a door to college and given Jake a great opportunity. Jake plans to continue his career on the Track and Field Team at Mississippi College next year!

Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith has been on the Track and Field Team for 3-years. He decided to join the team because it isn’t as intense as other sports (and Jake convinced him!). Andrew enjoys being on the team because throwers don’t have to run and it’s very laid back compared to other sports. One of his favorite memories was the State meet last year when he got to compete with friends and watch them become some of the best throwers in the State. He enjoys competition days because the people are all still very nice even when they are competing against each other.

Mary Alice has inspired Andrew because she has helped him focus on the fundamentals of his throws. Also, Andrew is proud of his friends that have taken the time to improve their throwing skills in order to throw at the next level. And Andrew’s favorite quote, “Would you mind?” by Gabor Mate.

We wish Andrew the BEST as he continues his education as a Tiger at Auburn University, but he will always be a Wildcat to us!

Maddie Hurt

Maddie hurt has been on the track and field team for 2-years (thrower). She originally joined the team after Coach Meredith encouraged her to. One of her favorite memories was going to state last year and staying in the hotel with Kennedy and Rowan. The throwers make practice fun because the boys are always joking around. Being an athlete has taught her time management skills. One of her favorite motivational quotes/saying is, “You're doing it so you might as well do it right and get better.”

Maddie plans to attend Auburn University next year. We will miss this Wildcat and the many contributions she has made to St. Luke’s!

Allie Champagne

Allie Champagne has been on the Track and Field team for 2-years as a thrower.. She decided to join the team when she wasn’t involved in club volleyball anymore and still wanted to be active. . To make practice fun they laugh with each other when they mess up and help each other fix mistakes. On competition days she enjoys that everyone talks to each other and cheers each other on regardless of what team they are on.

Being on the Track and Field team has taught Allie that it’s never too late to pick something up and how to manage her time. Allie will be continuing her education as an Auburn Tiger next year.

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Dolbear, Jackson Win Age Division in Big Beach Half Marathon

Hannah Uptigrove — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 15:27:00 +0000

More Than Athletes.

S
ophomore Garrett Dolbear and junior Taylor Jackson recently competed in the Big Beach Half Marathon, each placing first their age divisions. Garrett also placed 4th in the entire half marathon. We spoke with both of them to get some behind the scenes information on what it takes to train as elite athletes while still in high school.

Interview with Garrett Dolbear

Hannah Uptigrove for St. Luke's: Why did you start running?
Garrett Dolbear: I started in 3rd grade because it was the first year I could run cross country and track. I have run since I was really little because my dad had gotten into running, so it really has always been in my life.

HU: What made you want to participate in the Big Beach Marathon 2022?
GD: I heard about the half because the XC girls had mentioned they wanted to do it. It kind of snowballed as an event because more and more people started talking about doing it and I guess I kind of got stuck in that snowball.

HU: Before the ½ marathon, what was the longest distance you ran?
GD: My farthest distance prior to the half was 10 miles.

HU: Tell us what you did to train/prepare for the ½ marathon:
GD: I really didn't do any training at all. I had done a 10-miler a week before to see what pace I wanted to run for the actual race, but other than that nothing really.

HU: How long does it take to train/prepare for a 1/2 marathon?
GD: It really depends on the condition you are in when you start your training and the difficulty of your training regimen. I say when starting from zero one would probably need about 12 to 16 weeks to fully prepare.

HU: How did you stay motivated when you were training?
GD: When I need the motivation to train for any event I think about the goals I have set. I also really enjoy running so it is not too hard for me to find the motivation.

HU: How do you motivate yourself to run on the days that you don’t want to, do you even have days like that?
GD: I usually always want to run, but on occasion, I need to think about my opponents and I know they aren't just sitting up on the couch.

HU: What would be a “newbie” runner tip you would give someone?
GD: I would tell a "newbie" runner that it is going to be hard in the beginning and that you just have to push through. Running is such a great sport and it will bring you closer to other people and yourself.

HU: Do you wish you would have done anything differently as far as training or running the ½ marathon, itself?
GD: I hit the time I wanted to beat for this half (coach Russell's personal record), so I wouldn't have changed anything about what I did this time. Typically I would like to start training for an event several weeks before.

HU: Do you prefer running with a pacer or doing your own thing?
GD: I prefer running with a pacer, I am not good at holding my own pace. I either end up going too fast or too slow. It also gives me a chance to talk to someone that is most likely better than me.

HU: What did you do post-marathon?
GD: After the marathon my watch had not registered 13 miles yet so I ran a few circles in the parking lot. After that, the team went to the beach for a little while and I went to collect my award. We then all went out to eat, but everyone was super tired and wanted to go home. We ate quickly and all headed home.

HU: Who is in your running support network?
GD: My main running support network is my parents, but my team and Coach Russell help out a lot.

HU: Tell us about your worst running experience.
GD: I almost got attacked by a dog one time.

HU: What do you NOT like about running?
GD: I like pretty much everything about running. One of the things I don't like is running by myself.

Thanks Garrett! We can't wait to cheer you on this track season!

Interview with Taylor Jackson

Hannah Uptigrove for St. Luke's: Why did you start running?
Taylor Jackson: I have always loved running, but never had the time to fully commit to running as a sport. I mainly picked up running exactly one year ago. I joined the track team to get in shape for soccer, but didn't fall in love with running until cross country season this past summer.

HU: What made you want to participate in the Big Beach Marathon 2022?
TJ: I decided to sign up for the half marathon in October, as a postseason activity, after we competed in the Cross Country State Championship in November. Zac Haataja (Class of 2021) made a tradition for senior runners to run a marathon so I figured I should train for a ½ marathon before I try to tackle a full marathon my senior year.

HU: Was this your first ½ marathon?
TJ: Yes. In fact, I had never raced any distance over a 5k (3.1 miles).

HU: Before the ½ marathon, what was the longest distance you ran?
TJ: Before training, the longest distance I had ever run was a 6-mile long run during practice at the University of South Alabama’s Bike Trails.

HU: Tell us what you did to train/prepare for the ½ marathon:
TJ: We were not used to running a concrete long run so the first thing we did was transition from soft trails to full-time concrete running. We would meet on weekends and during breaks to practice increasing our mileage threshold. We started training at a 10-minute average pace for long runs, but then I decided to push a little harder and started training with someone faster than me so that I could increase my average pace. My goal for the race was sub-two hours, which is a 9:09 average split for 13.1 miles. However, I ended training in the 8’s for the last few runs.

HU: How long does it take to train/prepare for a 1/2 marathon?
TJ: We trained from the end of November of 2021 until January 2022.

HU: How did you stay motivated when you were training?
TJ: I easily found the motivation to keep training as I realized that I actually enjoy longer mileage compared to short distances. My motivation remained because my running group would always meet up at new locations and run in all types of weather, which made training feel refreshing.

HU: How do you motivate yourself to run on the days that you don’t want to, do you even have days like that?
TJ: I think it is impossible to have motivation everyday, but I always knew pushing past a mile that felt hard would result in it being easier the next time. The more you push past the pain, the more successful you will be. All of the little successes add up!

HU: What would be a “newbie” runner tip you would give someone?
TJ: With me not being able to run a 5k this time last year, I can confidently say that the only way to start is just going for it and pushing through the pain. I recommend finding a group of runners that want you to succeed and will push and motivate you. The first obstacle is just showing up and pushing yourself and it will get easier from there.

HU: Do you wish you would have done anything differently as far as training or running the ½ marathon, itself?
TJ: I reached my goal, sub-two, so honestly I wouldn't change anything for my first ½ marathon. My training relieved a lot of stress and I always looked forward to my runs.

HU: Do you prefer running with a pacer or doing your own thing?
TJ: During the cross country season, I relied heavily on Anna Marie Bentley to help motivate me during races. For the ½ marathon, I ran with some friends (Andrew, Alex and Mo) that are faster than me to help me start with a good pace and then I finished the last 5 kilometers alone.

HU: What did you do post-marathon?
TJ: Post-Marathon was pretty grueling on my body because that was 5k more than I had ever ran (I only ran 10-miles for training). We took a lot of photos on the beach and went out to eat.

HU: Who is in your running support network?
TJ: I have the BEST supportive network. My cross country team is the most supportive and loving group of people I have ever met. Last year, Coach Russell, and my teammates, allowed me to walk onto the team brand new. I would not be running right now if it wasn't for the happiness I feel when being with that group of people. Once I pushed past all of the times that I wanted to stop, I found something that makes me happier than anything I have ever done in my life.

HU: Tell us about your worst running experience.
TJ: My favorite story to tell is one that actually ended up being my favorite week of the year, Brevard Distance Running Camp in North Carolina. Last summer, while attending Brevard Distance Running Camp, I had the biggest reality check of my life. Since I was a new runner, I cried every single day during the runs. It was the most challenging and intense thing I have ever done due to the altitude and hiking over 60-miles in 5-days. On the very first day, I was running up a mountain in Pisgah National Forest and face-planted sliding down the moss-covered stairs. I was covered in dirt and realized it was about to be a long week!

HU: What do you NOT like about running?
TJ: For me, running has gotten to the point where it is my favorite part of my daily routine. I don’t have anything bad to say about running other than it does wear and tear on your body. Injuries are very common for overworking and over usage to areas like the hips and knees. If it wasn't for the injuries, I would run all day!

Thanks Taylor! We're so glad you're a Wildcat runner!

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