By Lila Podgainy '19
1. Do you have aspirations to continue running in college?
It was always a goal of mine to run in college, and I am very happy that I will be able to do that next year, as I have committed to running Division One Cross Country and Track and Field at Colgate University.
2. Describe your greatest running “achievement” (from this season or in general) and how it felt.
My greatest running achievement from this year was coming in first in the PSAL Manhattan Borough Championships in the 3000m. This indoor season I focused on dropping my time in longer distances specifically the 3000m. It was rewarding knowing that my hard work had paid off. Looking back I really enjoyed running in this race because of the competition, having people to... run against makes you run a better time and have more fun.
3. Describe your “lowest” running moment (from this season or in general) and how you overcame it.
One of my lowest running moments overall actually happened this year at the end of Cross Country season. I was running a race and I sprained my ankle pretty badly; it really sucked because I had been dropping my 5K time all season, so when I got injured and the doctor said that I couldn’t finish the season, I was pretty upset. After not being able to really run for about two weeks, it was really hard for me to run at the level I used to.
4. What inspired you to start running and what has kept you committed to the sport over the years?
I technically started running in middle school, where I competed in NYRR 5K races in Central Park, but I started to take running more seriously in my freshman year, when I began running for both NEST+m and a club team outside of school. I really enjoy competing in races and trying to break my times in different events so that has helped me stay committed to the sport.
5. How have you learned to balance school and running? Any advice for NEST+m’s Student Athletes?
I think that over the past four years I have gotten pretty good at managing my time and prioritizing the things that are important to me. I have learned that you can’t do everything you may want; you have to decide what is important to you. I also have been able to balance school and track pretty well by doing my homework whenever I get the chance, which sometimes means bringing it to track meets or doing it before practice. If the sport you do is actually important to you, then you will make time.
6. What’s your favorite post-practice snack?
Frozen Blueberries
7. What is the coolest or farthest place you have traveled to for a competition?
It was definitely not the coolest place, but the farthest place was Alabama for Cross Country Nationals.
8. Where is your favorite place to run?
My favorite place to run indoors is by far The Armory in Washington Heights, but I love going for long runs along the East River and at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.
9. Any suggestions for a first-time runner?
My suggestion for a first-time runner is to have patience; you are not going to become fast after only a few runs. I also think it is important to be proud of small successes like breaking your best time, which I believe is one of the most rewarding feelings.
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