We are starting our Arizona Watch List series and will continue with it for the next few weeks. As the cross country season gets underway new athletes will be added to the list. Good luck to everyone! See you on the course!
Journal Questions:
Name: Sarah Fakler
High School:
Xavier College Preparatory
Year of Graduation: 2013
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
5K - 17:30
3 Mile - 17:02
What are your goals for the upcoming season:
My goal is to help my team qualify for Nike Cross Nationals, and contribute to improving on our eighth place finish last year.
How is your summer training going? Your favorite workout? What kind of summer mileage do you run?
We usually run about 60 miles a week. My favorite workout is a hill circuit we call “the Beast”. It’s a 30 minute loop through a neighborhood with 7-10 hills throughout.
How long have you been running and how did you get started:
This will be my tenth year running. I started running for a club team, the Phoenix Bobcats when I was in third grade; I competed in the 100, 200, and 400 meter races. I became interested in distance running through my coach at the time, Jocelyn Gaffney. She told me that if I ran the 3,000 she would buy me a t-shirt. So I ran the race and loved it, and never looked back.
Will you be competing out of State this season? If so, when and where?
The team and I will be competing at Mt. SAC this year on October 20.
What are your favorite courses and the toughest courses to run in State and out of State.
The toughest course to run in-state would have to be the State course, just because the weather is often very hot and we sometimes race in the afternoon. The toughest course out-of-state is definitely Mt. SAC, just because the hills are so difficult (my least favorite hill is Switchbacks). But Mt. SAC is also my favorite out-of-state course to race because it tests your resolve, the competition is so tough, and the experience always brings the team together.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
My favorite cross country memory is going up to Portland, Oregon last year for Nike Cross Nationals with my teammates. The pre-race activities were thrilling, the race was a special experience, and afterward at the dance party, everyone just went crazy and had so much fun.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
When I am not running, I am either at school, doing homework, eating, sleeping, or filling out college apps.
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
Yes; two days a week I aquajog in my pool, and almost every day I do a short session of core work or strengthening exercises.
Do you think you would like to run competitively after high school?
Yes. I plan on running competitively in college, and continue running after college.
What were your favorite Olympic sports and did they inspire you in any way?
I enjoy watching gymnastics because the athletes are so graceful, yet so strong. I recognize the commitment it takes to reach that level, and it inspires me to work harder to become an elite distance runner.
Quick Six:
Favorite Pre-race Meal?
Oatmeal with peanut butter, bananas, and raisins
Kind of shoes you train in?
I’ve trained in Saucony shoes (usually trail shoes) for the past 5 years.
Favorite athlete (running or otherwise)?
Kara Goucher, the wife of the co-author of my favorite running book, Running the Edge.
Favorite TV show or movie?
Doctor Who, a British sci-fi show.
Favorite song?
May it Be, the Lord of the Rings theme song.
Favorite quote?
“Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh