With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners. Corona del Sol senior Kelly Naumann 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: Kelly Naumann (Kelly's Milesplit Profile)
High School:
Corona del Sol
Year of Graduation: 2015
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 18:49
3 Mile: 18:22
When did you get started as a running:
Initially I started running because my sister advocated for Aprende’s track program my sixth grade year. After that, I didn’t start long distance running until Andrew Eversden and Nathan Rodriguez convinced me to do cross country my sophomore year to improve my track times.
Which meets will you be running this year?
As of right now the plan for my team and I is to compete at the Chandler Invite, Ojo Rojo, Doug Conley, Desert Twilight, Tempe City Meet, Regionals, State and Nike Cross.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
My goal for this season is to break 18 minutes in the 5K and it is something that I am very excited for. I look forward to seeing how the Corona team does after so many of our teammates graduated last year. We have some individuals who have been working harder than I have ever seen them and I think we will continue to represent our school with great place finishes.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
This year I am really proud of how my summer turned out. I had two weeks of great altitude training and hill work while in Montana and Colorado where I ran about 40-45 miles a week. My favorite workouts have always been tempo runs, whatever distance they may be.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
This summer I finally got a membership to the YMCA and I used it to swim as much as I could. During the season the whole team will start doing some weight lifting as well.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
I don’t follow any nutrition program, but I do try to watch what I eat during the season.
Have you ever been injured?
I have never had an injury that has kept me from competing. I hope my luck will continue through college as well.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory was at the Doug Conley Invitational last year, dancing to the music with teammates after all the races were over. My favorite course is also Doug Conley because the rolling hills present a great challenge.
What is the best part of running?
The best part of running for me is seeing how far my body can take me. It has taught me so much about dedication and it makes me proud when I can see my progress during the season.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
When you are not running what do you like to do?
I have been painting this summer a lot and I wish I had more time to do it during the school year.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
My coaches have always believed more in me than I could see myself. Coach Rodriguez last year told me that I should aim for a top 5 finish at state when I wasn’t sure if I could stay with the top 15. It was great that I could live up to those goals for me.
Shout outs?
My coaches and my friends have definitely been my driving force this year. Sammi Moore in particular, trained with me over the summer, helped me to stay motivated and has always supported me. Lauren Ellsworth was a great training partner this summer as well. It was great to become friends with her and have the chance to run together while at my Mom’s house in Gilbert.
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Chocolate chip cookies
Kind of shoes you train in?
Mizuno Wave Inspire 10's
Flat course or hills?
Hills
Facebook or Twitter?
Neither
Hot or cold weather?
Favorite song at the moment?
"Derniere Danse" by Indila