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: Autumn Brown (Autumn's Milesplit profile)
High School:
Catalina Foothills
Year of Graduation: 2014
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
3 Mile: 19:33
5k: 19:05
What are your goals for the upcoming season:
I would like to enjoy my senior year and last year of running with my amazing team. I want to make lasting memories, run strong, and hopefully place top 20 at states for the 3rd year in a row.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
Summer training went great; we built a solid base of endurance, strength, and speed to use and now transition to the season. My favorite workout would have to be something including a long sustained speed to challenge me and get my legs locked into a consistent pace, to prepare me for 5K’s. Other than that I love simple three mile recovery runs when I can just relax and run for the fun of it, while chatting with some of my teammates.
How long have you been running and how did you get started:
Growing up in Bisbee, AZ I enjoyed running around the neighborhood for fun, in 6th grade I joined middle school track. Through my middle school years in North Carolina I became more involved with gymnastics. By freshman year I realized I couldn’t split my time between running and gymnastics and felt more suited for cross-country. I’ve been running competitively ever since.
Which meets will you be running this year?
Ray Wherley Invitational, Desert Twilight Invitational, Rattler Invite, Bisbee 1000, Mt. Sac
What are your favorite and toughest courses to run in State and out of State?
The toughest course In-state would probably be either the State course or Desert Twilight because they are both highly competitive. Twilight is probably one on my favorites though because I love the aspect of running at night, and the atmosphere surrounding the race is just fun! Out-of State I believe the toughest course is at the Mt. Sac cross country invite, because of its sheer massiveness, its hills, and the talent from all the amazing runners.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
Ah, I have so many…but one of my favorites has to be when we got a group of girls together to run Nike Cross Regional’s last year when the season was over. We went back up to the twilight course to run with so many other talented runners. What made this race great was that we were there for fun, the pressure of other meets had been lifted and we were out there just to finish the season strong. My best friend and I ran the race together almost in sync, a dynamic duo, and finished together. It was a great way to finish the season.
What do you look forward to the most this season?
I look forward to visiting all the courses I’ve gotten to love over the last three years and race on them for the last time. I also want to make this year the most memorable year ever and compete with no regrets.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
One race I love is the Bisbee 1000, a race in my hometown; it’s a 5K race with an added twist of about 1068 stairs along the way. My 3rd time running the race in 2011 I came in first overall for women, it felt so tremendous and I was the youngest girl at 15 to ever win the race.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
Eat, Sleep, Eat...I love to hang out with my friends, and explore Tucson. I also enjoy baking desserts.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I don’t do too much cross training, but I do enjoy lifting, biking, and roller skating.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
I have the most amazing, influential, inspirational, and over-all incredible coaches I could ever hope for. They work with me every day to help bring out the best person in me, and the best runner I can be. I know I can be negative at times, but they have taught me to rise above it in times of doubt and I appreciate them so much for it. They have increased my love for running, thanks Eric and Steve!
Are you considering running in college?
Of course I’ll keep running, but on a less competitive level mostly to stay in shape. I will always be a lifelong runner and will probably sign up for races along the way.
Shout-Outs?
I just want to give a shout out to all the coaches I’ve had throughout the years who helped me become a better athlete. I want to thank my parents for the really early morning drives, for supporting me all these years, and overall for just being amazing. Lastly I want to thank my incredibly talented teammates, who I’ve gotten to know and love for the last three years. You girls are my family, and I’m looking forward to a great year with all of you.
Quick Six:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
The night before I prefer to eat pasta, but homemade pizza works too. My favorite meal would have to be this incredible alfredo pesto chicken pasta my dad makes.
Kind of shoes you train in?
Saucony’s!
Favorite athlete (running or otherwise)?
Mary Cain
Favorite song?
I love so many, but two of my favorite pre-race pump-up songs would have to be Shakira’s Waka Waka or Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap.
What time of day do you run?
6am Monday-Saturday, and sometimes afternoons.
Favorite quote?
"A warrior feeds her body well. She trains it, works on it. Where she lacks knowledge, she studies. But above all she must believe in her strength of will and purpose and heart and soul." ~ David Gemmel