With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners. Sophomore Sarah Carter from Xavier College Prep 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: Sarah Carter (Sarah's Milesplit Profile)
High School:
Xavier College Prep
Year of Graduation: 2017
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 18:32
3 Mile: 18:47
When did you get started as a running:
I started running 5k road races when I was six, in addition to triathlons. When I was eight, I began running club track and cross country full-time and have been competing ever since.
Which meets will you be running this year?
This season we will be running Peaks Invitational, Ray Wherley, Woodbridge and Desert Twilight just to name a few.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
My main goals for the season are to PR in the 5k, and get as close to breaking 18:00 as I can, as well as giving each meet my best possible effort, and leaving nothing out there on the course.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
Summer training is going great so far, and I’m very excited for the upcoming season! My favorite workouts are Saturday long runs, and trail/hill workouts. Currently, we are running about 50-60 miles per week.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I love swim and bike workouts. In addition, I do a core and upper body circuit every day.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
Currently, I don’t follow a specific diet or nutrition plan, although I have done my best to cut most processed and unhealthy foods out of my diet. I love fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as ice cream; which I love a little too much.. Getting enough iron, protein and calcium is also very important to me.
Have you ever been injured?
I haven’t had any serious injuries so far, and I’m hoping it will stay that way!
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite races so far have been Mt. Sac and Desert Twilight! Hills are my favorite terrain to run, and Mt. Sac has plenty. I also really enjoyed the fun atmosphere and night-running aspects of Twilight, and will miss the old course this year!
What is the best part of running?
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
So far I am most proud of my 5k PR, which I ran on last year’s Desert Twilight course. I just remember feeling great and loving every minute of it! Finishing in the top 20 as a freshman in the sweepstakes race was very exciting for me, since I was very nervous going into my first high school xc season.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I’m not running, I am usually working on homework, however in my free time I enjoy cross training, eating, reading, sleeping and hanging out with my friends and dogs.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
My coaches, especially Coach Van Sickle have had a HUGE influence on me both in and outside of running. I have been working with Coach Van for six years, and he has really helped me grow as a runner and a person, and has shaped me into who I am today. He has been along with me every step of the way, and I am honored to have him as a coach. Coaches Vito and Higgins have been amazing mentors, and have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I am really looking forward to another season with these wonderful coaches.
Shout outs?
I would like to give a shout-out to my coaches who I could not live (and run) without, my parents; who have put up with waking up at 4 am every day so I can get to practice and my incredible teammates, who are like sisters to me, as well as the amazing coaches, counselors and runners I met at Team Prep this summer!
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Anything and Everything
Kind of shoes you train in?
Mizuno Wave Inspire 9
Flat course or hills?
HILLS!
Facebook or Twitter?
I’m not really much into social media, but if I had to choose I suppose I would have to say Facebook, as I don’t have a twitter.
Hot or cold weather?
Favorite song at the moment?
Honestly, I like too many at the moment to choose one.
