With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners. Desert Vista junior Emily Smith is our next Watch List athlete.
As the season starts we will continue to add athletes to the list.
Keep checking back as we highlight some of Arizona's best. Good luck to everyone - see you on the course!!
Journal Questions:
Name: Emily Smith (Emily's Milesplit Profile)
High School:
Desert Vista High School
Year of Graduation: 2016
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 18:34
3 Mile: 18:07
When did you get started as a running:
I started running my freshman year, when my brother convinced me to out for cross country and I have enjoyed running ever since.
Which meets will you be running this year?
Will be running in Woodbridge, Desert Twilight, Tempe City, and Nike Cross Nationals for sure this year.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
My personal goals this season are to PR at Woodbridge, but not just there - in every meet that I run in as well. I am looking forward to see what I can do this season, pushing myself to my fullest potential.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
My summer training has gone well, and has been fun (for the most part). I enjoy Saturday long runs and our fartlek workouts. For summer mileage I did about 40- 50 miles a week.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I cross train several times a week, either aqua jogging, biking, or just doing laps in the pool. I even do core workouts sometimes.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
I don’t follow any specific kind of nutrition program, but I do definitely try to eat healthy. My diet consists of fruits and vegetables along with meats for protein. I like to make sure that I get enough carbohydrates and proteins in my diet. I also like to make sure that I am hydrating throughout the day.
Have you ever been injured?
I have been injured; I have dealt with Patella Tendonitis, a pulled hamstring, and am currently working on getting rid of plantar fasciitis. I have gone to physical therapy for all of my injuries and it has really helped, I no longer have knee pain or hamstring pain. I still currently deal with plantar fasciitis.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite race would have to be Woodbridge, a flat, fast course that you are guaranteed to PR on. It was also fun to travel to California with my teammates, it was a great time. But a great memory of mine has be running in State my freshman year, it was a great experience, and running in it again last year was also a great experience, winning the state title was a huge accomplishment for my team.
What is the best part of running?
The best part of running for me is being able to see how far I can push myself, and see how mentally tough I am. Not only that but how physically tough I am too.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I am not running I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I also like to read and listen and discover new music. I love to eat and sleep!
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
Shout outs?
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Ice Cream
Kind of shoes you train in?
Brooks Glycerin
Flat course or hills?
Flat course, I like them fast!
Facebook or Twitter?
Hot or cold weather?
Favorite song at the moment?
"Remember the Name" Fort Minor