Talk about your 1600m race and how it unfolded.
For the 1600m, Cady McPhail was pacing me for it and our plan was for her to pace me to get sub 5:00! It was a fun experience and I am really thankful that I had her to help me! I was a little nervous coming into the race because I didn't know what to expect because before I ran a 5:05 and I didn't know if I could run sub 5:00. But I decided to just not worry about what could go wrong and thought of the positives. During the race, we were hitting the right splits and our pace was on point but it really came down to the last 200m. I was watching the clock while I was running and saw 4:51 and I knew I had to sprint to the end. I ended up passing the line and me and Cady waited until my time came up and in a couple seconds it said 4:59.85 and both of us jumped up and started screaming! I couldn't have done this without the help of Cady McPhail and my coaches (Scott Fuqua and Coach Lee).
Elaborate a little more on the nerves of the race. Did such a specific plan make you more nervous?
Yes, going into the race I was a little nervous because we had a plan of me sticking with Cady and I knew if I ended up falling off, I probably wouldn't have run sub 5:00.
When in the race did you know you had it secured?
I really didn't know until I crossed the finish line and it was on the screen. The announcer said we were on pace for 5 flat so I knew I had a chance in the last 200m.
When did you realize the sub 5:00 could be an attainable goal for you?
I realized it was attainable when my workouts were going really well and I felt strong over the past few weeks.
What got you into running?
My sister who runs at Troy University got me into running.
What was the first race you ever ran?
My first race was 7th grade middle school cross country.
Do you have any unique pre race routine?
Yes, I always have spaghetti the night before and in the morning I always have the same breakfast.
How did you celebrate after the race?
To celebrate, we went to my favorite Taco Mama.
What did you order?
My go-to Taco Mama order is a cheese quesadilla with chips and queso.
How impactful has someone like Cady McPhail been on your running?
Very impactful and I'm grateful to have her. She has pushed me and has been a great friend! She has helped me be more confident and I will definitely miss her next year!
What is your favorite movie?
I don't really have a favorite movie but I really like Stranger Things.
Who is your favorite character?
My favorite character would have to be Eleven or Dustin.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
I would want to be a dog because they always seem so happy and have the best lives.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Lex Young.
If you could go for a run with any professional female runner, who would it be?
Sydney McLaughlin.
If you had to give up one of the five senses, which would you give up and why?
I would give up smell because it seems the easiest to go without.
What's your next big goal you're chasing? A certain time or a certain win?
My next big goal would be the 3200m in Outdoor. I would really like to get in the 10s.
