Kirsten Ensley
Mountain Pointe High School
Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?
A: My current training consists of a 3-6 mile run every morning with a stretch and full-body strength workout afterward. Eat. Shower. Nap.
Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?
A: Other than running I'm spending my time hanging out with my 2 little brothers. We like to watch movies, take our dog on hikes/walks and cook meals for the family. I also enjoy playing the piano, watching The Office, and finding new music.
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: My most memorable racing moment this year was being the only person from my school to qualify for Cross Country State Championships. I had a good race and I had a lot of supporters.
Division 1, Section 3 Girls Championships - Ensley placed 18th overall.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: The funniest thing that happened during my race career... hm. There are all the great practice moments with my team... but what first comes to mind is my coach thought he heard coyotes (when the team was running the trials) but it was my running buddy and I scream-singing one direction like a mile away.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: Who is my biggest competition? MYSELF. I'm constantly trying to get faster and stronger and I've had that mindset since I started running competitively in 6th grade. Getting a PR is an indescribable feeling but it makes the training all worth it.
2019 Nike Twilight - Girls Varsity Race - Ensley took 37th in 20:34.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: If I could do it all over again... great question... I would never ever ever complain. There were times where I wanted to take it easy, and not focus on my goals. If I could go back and redo everything, I would keep a clear focus of become better every day. Perform every workout to the best of my ability. Never complain.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: The most difficult thing I had to overcome was realizing this is an individual sport. Once my running buddy quit, it was hard for me to find my pace and my comfort level. I quickly had to realize that I run for myself and I'm not always going to have someone who can keep up to push me. I had to overcome this and figure out my pacing. I've found it's nice to be alone with my thoughts, and I can do pickups and I don't have to wait up for anyone
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I will miss my teammates the most. 100%. I'm already so sad about going up to Flagstaff in a few months and leaving them all. Now that our season was cut short it just doesn't feel real. I miss my teammates, my outlet, my support system, my best friends.
