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Athlete Interview - Bethan Knights of NorthwoodPublished by
Bethan Knights has been one of California’s best distance runners for some time now. As a sophomore in 2012, she dipped under 5 minutes for 1600 twice and qualified for the state Track and Field meet. The following fall she was runner-up in the D3 State XC Race with an impressive 17:49 at Woodward Park. Her Senior XC season she really became one of California’s stars, notching big wins at Woodbridge (rated race), Orange County Champs, Laguna Hils, Mt. Sac (D3 Sweeps), and Bell-Jeff. Her season culminated with the Division 3 State XC title as well as a trip to Nike Cross Nationals representing California.
But even with all those accolades, Bethan has taken it to another level this spring. At the Mt. Carmel Invitational, Bethan ran stride for stride with 6-time state champion / 2-time national champion Sarah Baxter, finishing in a dead heat and setting a new US #1 time of 10:07.52. With that 28 second PR, Bethan now has to be considered among the national level contenders.
I checked in with Bethan just days before the Arcadia Invitational, where she will be part of what many believe is girls 3200 field ever assembled.
Scott Joerger (SJ): You had an amazing 3200 race last week at the Mt. Carmel Invitational, where you tied in a dead heat with Sarah Baxter in a nation-leading 10:07.52. What was your strategy going into that race?
BK: My strategy was to stay right with the leaders for the first mile of the race and then try to push the pace and take the lead towards the latter half of the race when I felt the time was right. It was a plan I don’t often use as I like to go out hard and fast from the start and take the lead, but this new strategy worked out great! It is nice to have different racing strategies for different types of races/competition.
SJ: What were you thinking as you found yourself with Sarah late in the race at such a fast pace?
BK: I was surprised that I was keeping up with the [former] national champ but I was gaining confidence with each lap that I was able to keep up with her because I felt strong and comfortable even though it was a fast pace.
SJ: How does that performance affect your confidence and outlook for the rest of the season?
BK: Like I said before, each lap I gained confidence and by the end of the race I was convinced that I could have a great senior season and give anyone a run for their money. I didn't believe that I was as fast as I was until that race, but my coaches always believed in me and told me I could do it! Now I believe in myself and I’m all fired up and looking forward to more great competition as the season goes on.
SJ: I understand you used to be a soccer player. How long did you play? When did you get introduced running?
BK: I played soccer since I moved America [from England] (around age of nine) until my sophomore year of high school when I gave it up to concentrate on running! I loved the team aspect of soccer and am still extremely close with members of that team!
I was introduced to running in elementary school when I competed in the Irvine Jr. Games (a mini track meet of local elementary and middle school kids once a year) and always won the gold medals in the 800m and 1500m! However that was more for fun, I didn’t realize I could be any good at it until I made it on to varsity on my freshman year of track and field. It wasn’t my until I joined cross country my sophomore year that I started to compete at the high levels.. things have just escalated each season since then!
SJ: What are your goals for this track season?
BK: I really want to have fun since it is my senior season but I also have some big goals set for placing at the state meet in either the 3200m or the 1600m. I have already surpassed some of my goal times that I set myself for the season, but that doesn’t mean I am satisfied and stop working hard, it just means I go back and visit my goals and revise them to even faster.
SJ: You have had great success in both cross country and track. What’s your favorite season and why?
BK: That’s a tough question - I always love the one that I am currently in. If I had to choose I would probably say cross country is my favorite because I am definitely more of a distance girl! However I really love both seasons and am looking forward to doing some of longer track events in college!
SJ: What kind of mileage do you run in summer leading up to Cross Country? How about in Track Season?
BK: In cross country season I was probably doing around 30 miles a week. This track season I have stepped up my miles to around 35 miles a week.
SJ: What is a typical training week like for you?
BK: A typical training week consists of a long run on Monday, speed work on Tuesday, an easy distance day on Wednesday day, some type of tempo run or speed on Thursday, and an easy day on Friday. Saturday I typically have a meet!
SJ: Congratulations on your choice of University of California – Berkeley. What made to decide on Cal?
BK: I went up and met the team and the coaches and they were so welcoming and made me feel like a part of the team. I was considering a few other colleges all over the country but I fell in love with the campus and the people. It feels like the perfect balance of athletics, academics, and a great culture! GO BEARS!
SJ: Who has had the most influence on your running career so far?
BK: All my coaches have had a massive influence on my running career. Each of them has given me advice that I will always treasure and I has motivated and inspired me to be the runner I am today. Also my parents and even my family all the way in England have always supported me and I want to race fast to make them all proud!
SJ: What do you like to do outside of track and field?
BK: Shopping! Shopping! Shopping! I spend way too much money, but I also love doing outdoor activities such as the pool, beach, hiking, or anything outside. I also love going to the movies with friends or finding new eating places or going to an amusement park or a concert! I’m not one of those people who like to spend time sitting around doing nothing, I’m always planning something new!
SJ: Anything else you’d like to add?
BK: I’m just really enjoying my senior season and looking forward to all the big things to come!
Personal Bests 800 – 2:15 1600 – 4:48 3200 – 10:07 Woodward Park XC – 17:08 Mt. Sac XC – 16:39
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