With the 2014 cross country season just around the corner it's time to start our "Watch List" highlighting the top returners. Highland senior Lauren Ellsworth 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: Lauren Ellsworth (Lauren's Milesplit Profile)
High School:
Highland High School
Year of Graduation: 2015
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 17:59
3 Mile: 17:45
When did you get started as a running:
I started running in 7th grade in junior high cross country. I didn’t do it my first year of high school but after my freshman track season I thought I would give cross country a go again, and I loved it so I kept at it!
Which meets will you be running this year?
I will be running in all the major meets this year Chandler, Twilight, Sectionals, State, Nike Cross SW Regionals, and Foot Locker.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
My goals for this upcoming season is to improve from last year. I make meet goals and shoot for those as I train so when meets start I will have more concrete goals. I am looking forward to footlocker this year because I haven’t done it the past couple of years because of the other sports I play but luckily I will be able to do it. I am also looking forward for the season meets because our girls team is looking solid.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
My summer training went great. I have come to love tempo runs and my mileage ranges from about 45-50 miles a week
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
This year I have started lifting weights a little bit but nothing too serious
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
During the season I try and eat a lot healthier than I usually do. I cut out simple sugars like brownies, candy, and soda.
Have you ever been injured?
I have been injured. My sophomore year I suffered a stress fracture on my growth plate of my hip at the Twilight meet.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory would be Twilight my junior year. I finally was able to break that 18 min barrier which was a huge stepping stone for me........or........ It would have to be winning Conley with my teammates last year.
What is the best part of running?
The best part of running is the booty you get because of doing it.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
My greatest running accomplishment would be winning the 4x800 at state meet this last spring. I had my sister and my two best friends and nothing could be better than sharing a state championship title with them.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I’m not running I like to watch Netflix, sleep, hangout with my sister, you know; the essentials.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
My coaches have been a huge influence on me. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am without them. The feedback, the race plans, and the quotes of the day that coach Monty gives me help drive my motivation to keep going when it starts getting rough.
Shout outs?
I would like to give a shoutout to Coach Resendez and Kelly Naumann for how awesome they are! For my fellow teammates Rachel McCleave, Allyson Girard, Addi Montgomery, and Sidney Rhodes, and the boys that love to run with me otherwise known as Logan Jones, Carlin Resendez, and Rylan Boyd,
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Candy or anything with sugar
Kind of shoes you train in?
At the moment - Brooks
Flat course or hills?
Both, a little variety never killed anybody
Facebook or Twitter?
I'm impartial to both
Hot or cold weather?
Favorite song at the moment?
Broken Heart