Stillwater Area senior Analee Weaver, the reigning Minnesota Class AA state champion along with a Foot Locker All-American and Nike Cross Nationals finalist, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss setting the all-time state 5-kilometer cross country record Oct. 1 by running 16:42.6 at Forest Lake Middle School. Weaver reflects on eclipsing both the Minnesota soil record of 16:56.4 set in 2018 by Minneapolis Washburn graduate Emily Covert, as well as the overall 5-kilometer mark of 16:48.67 achieved by former Math and Science Academy standout Tierney Wolfgram at the 2017 Nike Heartland Regional in Yankton, S.D. She shares the preparation that went into the race, especially dealing with the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic and running a 17:06 5-kilometer time trial by herself Sept. 25 at Cottage Grove Middle School, as well as the outpouring of support from family and friends received in the days after the achievement. Weaver examines the added significance of setting the record during a season in which she won't have an opportunity to defend her state title, after a recent vote by Minnesota officials decided against competition beyond the sectional championships, in addition to not being able to return to either the Foot Locker National Championships or NXN, both of which have been canceled this year. She expresses the desire to continue racing beyond the Suburban East Conference and Section 4AA Championships, and speaks about the wisdom and motivation gained from veteran Stillwater Area coach Scott Christensen to live for the moment and race with no regrets. Weaver also analyzes the tradition of great high school distance runners competing in Minnesota and how much it has meant to have many of those athletes as friends and peers, along with others as mentors and role models. She revisits her recruiting process that led to an early commitment to Brigham Young University and how the impact of her connection with coach Diljeet Taylor helped Weaver make the final decision. Weaver also talks about starting her own YouTube channel and creating content that includes interviews with fellow athletes, training videos, meal planning and preparation, along with VLOG recaps from live events, which she will be producing from her final conference meet Oct. 7 at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park.