The 2013 Cross Country Arizona Watch List series continues. As the season gets underway new athletes will be added to the list. Good luck to everyone! See you on the course!
Journal Questions:
Name: Hannah Whetzel (Hannah's Milesplit profile)
High School:
Catalina Foothilss High School
Year of Graduation: 2015
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 18:59
3 Mile: 19:10
What are your goals for the upcoming season:
My goals are to have fun, stay healthy, keep improving, and help my team win Division 2 State.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
My summer training has been going very well and it has been a lot of fun! Our mileage is generally a little over 40 miles per week. My favorite workout is probably a 5 mile pace run because even though it's difficult, it gives me a lot of confidence when I go into races because I know I can hold a solid pace for much longer than the actual race.
How long have you been running and how did you get started:
This will be my 6th year running. I actually got started running cross country in 6th grade because my parents forced me because my brother ran for the high school at the time, and he had a lot of fun with it. At first I was pretty negative about it, but once I got started and got into a little better shape, I really started to love running and competing and enjoyed fun times I had with my teammates.
Which meets will you be running this year?
The invitationals I will be competing in will be Ray Wherley, Twilight, Rattler, Mt. SAC, and hopefully sectionals and state. I also might run at Nike Cross Regionals.
What are your favorite and toughest courses to run in State and out of State?
My favorite course in state is the Twilight course because it's so fast! My favorite course out of state, which is also the toughest course, is Mt. SAC because there are three huge hills (or mountains), but it's a great opportunity to really push yourself and the sense of accomplishment you get after finishing is amazing!
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory is of Mt. SAC last year because I had a lot of fun with my teammates. I also saw Sarah Baxter break the course record and I met her afterwards!
What do you look forward to the most this season?
I most look forward to going back to Mt. SAC, having fun with my team, and seeing how much I've improved since last year.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
When I won the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure this past March because I ran a PR for a 5k and the race was for a great cause!
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I'm not at school or doing homework, I love to read and spend time with my family and friends.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I swim (just in my backyard) about 3 or 4 times a week, and I also do ab work almost every night.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
My coaches (both middle school and high school) have taught me to work hard, push through both the good and bad days, and have fun!
Shout-Outs?
Shout-Out to the Mason, OH cross country team, who I trained with some over the summer, and, of course, Sarah Baxter!
Quick Six:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
Spaghetti and meatballs the night before
Kind of shoes you train in?
Mizunos
Favorite athlete (running or otherwise)?
Sarah Baxter!
Favorite song?
I don't have a favorite, but I really like most songs by Florence and the Machine.
What time of day do you run?
6 AM
Favorite quote?
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
Steve Prefontaine