DyeStat: Foot Locker Cross Country 2001

1. How did it feel when the race was over and you realized you gotten 2nd and were going back to Orlando after missing last year? Was it a surprise, or something you were shooting for all year?

I felt great and yes, it was something that I had been working towards all year.

2. Was Foot Locker Regional your best race of the year? If so, tell us about what made it so. If not, tell us about your best race of the year.

Yes, it was, because I felt really strong and relaxed. I don't really have strong competition here in NM, and so racing with competition is quite different and exciting, for that matter

3. Tell us about your coach(es) and what were the key training elements that helped you improve and get to Orlando.

All of my coaches have been very supportive and encouraging. My training coach for regionals has actually been my father who is the assistant coach for our x-country team at school. My head coach Curtis Williams would give my father the workouts and my father would make sure that we did them. He made the practices fun and enjoyable, even the very tough workouts seemed to be made quite easier with his coaching.

4. What are your goals Saturday? What kind of race will it take for you to get top 7 or better?

My goals are just to have as much fun as I possibly can. I know that it will take a lot of hard work to get into the top 7, but I know with a little confidence and a lot of heart anything is possible.

5. Who are the most important influences in your running life (family, coach, friends, etc.)? Who is your favorite elite (HS, college or pro) runner?

God has been good to me and I know in my heart that all that has happened to me, good and bad, have been blessings from Him. My parents also play huge roles in my success. They have been there through all the ups and downs with encouraging words and tons of hugs and kisses. I couldn't be where I am without my coaches. They have given me the confidence in my training and in them that I need to overcome anything that comes in my way. They have also kept me interested when times got hard. My friends help in balancing my life and in making cross country fun! My closest friends are those that I have made in cross country and track. I couldn't be where I am today without them.

6. What are your biggest interests outside of running?

I love children. I want to be a pediatrician some day and my love for kids is the main reason why. I also enjoy math and science, which makes sense if I want to become a doctor.