I will be continuing the Watch List until the Nike Southwest Regionals to cover the top freshmen from the Arizona State Meet starting with the top finisher - Jesselyn Bries from Sandra Day O'Conner who placed 5th in division 1 and 9th overall. A few upper classemen athletes were not in the watch list in September but improved enough to be added now.
Journal Questions:
Name: Jesselyn Bries (Jesselyn's Milesplit profile)
High School:
Sandra Day O'Conner
Year of Graduation: 2018
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5k: 18:09.19
When did you get started as a runner:
I got involved as a runner in the seventh grade after I had quit gymnastics. Before I was involved in the actual sport of running, I had done a few 5k races but nothing extreme.
How was the transition from middle school to high school?
It was a very big adjustment because sports are much more important in high school than in middle school. Also I was going into high school not knowing anyone, so it was very intimidating and I was afraid of not making friends.
What is your favorite type of workout?
I love a workout where you know you worked really hard because you are sweating like crazy and you can’t walk the next morning.
What were your goals for the AZ State Meet and what was the experience like?
My goal was to get in the top 3 and to improve my PR. My other goal was to just surprise people and show them what O'Connor is capable of. The experience was interesting. It was very hot and the course was not the nicest; there were many hills. It was definitely a big meet and it was also the last meet of the season so I really wanted to run my hardest. There wasn't a lot of pressure on my shoulders, and I just ran my race.
Will you be running at Nike SW Regionals or Foot Locker West Regionals?
No but I will be running in the Junior Olympic USATF Cross Country program.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
Yes, I do cross fit and I used to swim during middle school, which I didn’t have the time for this year.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
I don’t do any nutrition program, but my mom is all about chia seeds which keep you really hydrated. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I watch what I eat; I just don’t eat too much junk food. It is important to treat your body right and keep yourself healthy.
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 Nike Pre-nationals that took place in Oregon. I’ve never been to Oregon so it was really exciting. All of my favorite XC memories are from just spending time with my team during practice and not during practice. We love our tradition of pasta parties the night before a meet.
Why do you like to run?
I love everything about running from training with your teammates, to getting to the top of that giant hill. I love the competition. I give my all- all of the time. I especially love the family aspect. All runners are part of a huge family because we all love the same thing; running!
When you are not running what do you like to do?
I love to read, catch up on my favorite TV shows, sleep, hang with my best friends (my XC team), and go to church.
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
I really look up to my coaches; Coach Lauch and Coach Camille. They’ve influenced me in a way to always expect the best of myself. They always know you can do more and push you to do it.
Shout outs?
I want to give a great big shout out to my team. I am blessed to be able to have known them. They are my very best friends and I couldn’t have asked for a stronger, caring, or more hilarious group of people. Also, a big shout out to God. I did not rely on my own strength, but solely on the power of God and I thank him for that. I couldn’t have had this great season without Him.
Quick 6:
Favorite Post-race Meal?
CHOCOLATE MILK!
Kind of shoes you train in?
Saucony
Flat course or hills?
Hills
Facebook or Twitter?
Hot or cold weather?
Cold weather!!
Favorite song at the moment?
Blank Space by Taylor Swift
