Keep checking back to see who makes the Arizona Milesplit 'Watch List" in Track and Field.
Journal Questions:
Name: Sofie DeWulf (Sofie's Milesplit Profile)
High School: Arcadia
Year of Graduation: 2014
Track and Field PR's:
800: 2:20.17
400: 1:00.42
When did you first get involved with track and field? How long have you been running:
I first got involved in 7th grade when I participated in middle school track running short distance. I only really started getting serious when I joined the high school track team freshman year and decided to try long distance.
What is a typical training week like for you?
Coach will usually make Monday, Wednesday, and Friday hard days. That can be anything from twelve 300s to six 800s. On Tuesday and Thursday we will do some sort of recovery run, pyramid, or ladder. I won’t usually run over the weekend, unless you include meets.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season?
I just want to be proud of myself when it’s all over and be able to look back on my high school track career knowing that I did my best. The mile is still completely new to me, so I’d like to see how much I can improve my time. Plus, it would be awesome to get below a 2:20 for my 800. I’m also looking forward to getting a 4 by 8 team together and possibly winning a medal. We were really close last year and I think we have an even better chance this season.
How do you prepare yourself mentally for a race? Do you have any superstitions?
I try to stay super relaxed the day of a race, even seconds before the gun goes off. Putting too much pressure on myself doesn’t help either. As far as superstitions go, I used to wear a certain pair of red socks for every race, but I wore those out. I don’t know if this is a superstition, but I always end up wearing a black sports bra for races. I also drink a ton of water the day of a meet and will usually end up going to the bathroom sometimes mere minutes before a race because I’m worried that if I won’t it will affect how I do. I’ve cut it pretty close a couple of times.
What does your season look like and will you be competing in any out of state track meets during the season or post high school season?
I think I will be competing in all of the invitationals my team usually does. Hopefully I will qualify for one or more of my events at state. As far as winning a medal goes, we’ll see. From there, I don’t believe I will be competing in any out of state track meets or anything post season.
What message would you tell younger runners who aspire to be at the top?
You may be competing alongside your teammates or other runners, but at the end of the day it’s all about you. Try not to focus on or compare yourself to anyone else. If you make it a goal to beat yourself, instead of making it a goal to beat others, you’ll find yourself closer to the top. You’ll also get a lot more out of the whole experience.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing, what would it be?
I would probably say that my success is due to my relaxed view regarding competing. I feel that I’m a lot less intense than other runners. I don’t go into races with the idea of wanting to win, but with the idea of wanting to improve.
Do you have role models or mentors in track and field?
During my first year of track I had the opportunity to compete alongside Tess Berghoff, a senior on my team. She was super talented and a huge motivation when it came to improving my 800 time. She was also the reason our 4 by 4 team won state that year. My coach, Coach Reniewicki, is also a huge mentor. He’s the one who pushed me to try the mile for the first time last year.
How many events do you compete in and which event is your favorite?
I compete in the 800, the 1600, the 4 by 800, and sometimes the 400 and 4 by 400. The 4 by 8 is my favorite.
What are 3 things we don't know about you?
- I have an identical twin named Tess who also runs. She was hurt and couldn't compete last year, but she's back this season. She runs the 400.
- This isn't really about me, but my coach is also my physics teacher. Instead of calling him Mr. Reniewicki in the classroom, I call him Coach.
- I love writing and am looking to pursue a career in journalism.
Best thing your coach ever said to you?
“Run fast"
Shout Outs?
My family, Tess, Megan R, and Kate B
Quick 6:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
Pasta the night before, peanut butter bagel with honey the day of
Favorite Winter Olympic Sport?
Figure skating
Favorite Meet?
Last Chance
Cross Country or Track and Field?
I’d say I’m definitely better at track, but I don’t think I can choose one over the other.
Perfect temperature to compete in?
70 degrees
Favorite song at the moment?
I’ve been playing The Weeknd’s album Kiss Land and Justin Timberlake’s album The 20/20 Experience nonstop in my car recently, so anything on those two albums.