Senior Jessie Willilams from Skyline High School 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: Jessie Williams (Jessie's Milesplit Profile)
High School: Skyline High School
Year of Graduation: 2015
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 18:46
3 Mile: 18:42
When did you get started as a runner:
I started track when I was 8 or 9 with the Arizona Flames because my older siblings had ran and so of course I had to try it. I ended up getting stuck with distance and I’ve been running ever since.
Which meets will you be running this year?
We will be running in Peaks, Ray Wherley, Red Mountain’s, Twilight, City, Sectionals, and hopefully State!
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
This season I really would like to break 18:30 in the 5k. I am really looking forward to having a competitive team and hopefully winning a team trophy at a meet.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
My summer training went really well, and went by really fast too. My favorite workout would be our trips to Payson every Friday. We would go on a 10-13 mile run followed by going to play in a creek. This summer I ran 40-50 miles a week.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I usually lift twice a week and we now are swimming once a week too.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
I pretty much just eat whatever I’m in the mood for.
Have you ever been injured?
I had some problems with my feet last year, but I was able to do some cross training along with rehabbing it and I haven’t had any problems since.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country race was probably Twilight because it was super cool running at night and I got my best time ever at that meet.
What is the best part of running?
The best part of running is finishing. I love when I get done with a hard workout or race and can look back and be proud of the work I put in.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
I would have to say my freshman year in the 2 mile at the Chandler invite. I remember I was super scared because I got put in the fast race but once I started I felt really good and just ended up going with the flow. I got my 2 mile pr that race and I was super excited!
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I’m not running I am usually dancing, playing soccer, or just hanging out with my friends or sister.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
One of my coaches is my dad and the other Coach Roelofs I have known since I was in 5th grade, so they both really push me to be better and aren’t afraid to call me out if I’m being a driller as we call it. They definitely have encouraged me, along with our other 2 girl coaches, to be the best that I can.
Shout outs?
S/o to my baby sister Kendy for always being there and pushing me to be faster every day in practice. Also to my team because I love you all and I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. Another to Taryn Estavillo for being the best frenemy there is! And lastly to Nate Cruz for being my training buddy!
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Sour gummy worms are my love
Kind of shoes you train in?
Nike pegasus
Flat course or hills?
Flat for sure
Facebook or Twitter?
Hot or cold weather?
Most definitely cold!
Favorite song at the moment?
"Shake it off" by Taylor Swift