Q: What do you run and how do you train?

A: In cross country, we do the 5K (3.12 miles), and then in track, I specifically do the mile and two mile. We train year round, so we have summer and winter training. More so on our own. We still have practice. Training is mostly just running, 50 to 60 miles a week, you know, workouts throughout the week [and] recovery runs.

Q: What has been your Kansas’s cross country Gatorade Player of the Year experience?

A: The label’s pretty dope to have. It essentially means being the best in the state. So having that title for cross country means a lot to me. It helps me understand that all the work that I’ve put in over the past four years [has] paid off. The application was a mix of displaying my times, my accomplishments, not just in racing, but also in the academic and school stuff. I had to write down volunteer hours, my GPA and all that as well as people that know me. [I found out when] I randomly woke up and got a text, so I was pretty excited when I saw that. [And] you know, of course I had to post on Instagram about it.

Q: Why should people get into cross country or long-distance running in general?

A: If you’re really competitive, I think distance racing in general is really good for you. But also cross country is a chance to, I don’t want to sound corny, but make friends and also get into shape. It pushes you unlike any other sport. You’re running, which is most sports’ punishment. So doing that every day, you really learn how to push yourself and exceed your own limits.