LA#11 Sacred Heart (NO) Meggie Schmidt 11th (18:47)
How Many Years have you been running?
I have been running for about 5 years.
What got you started on running?
Initially, I mainly ran for fitness and as cross training for swimming. I have been
a competitive year round swimmer for about 10 years.
What's your typical week of mileage/training consist of?
Depending upon what's going on with swim/cc meets, I usually run about 30-35 miles
per week.
Thoughts on your Coach?
Because I run and swim 6-7 days a week, I have to divide my time between both
workouts. I usually run alone in the mornings and swim with my USS team in the
afternoons. The ASH cross country coaches, Greg and Jenny Caro, are very hard
working and dedicated to the team. During my family's Katrina exile in Lafayette, I
was fortunate to meet Kevin Castille who continues to help me with my training.
Also, Ashley Tappin, my swim coach, is very competitive and supportive.
Favorite/most memorable race you have run this year/and in your career?
I guess my most memorable race was the 2004 State meet when I won as a freshman.
Are you looking forward/getting excited about the state meet?
I think our whole team is excited about the State meet. We have a great group of
runners and should do well.
Who do you consider your biggest rival in state both individually and as a
team?
I hesitate to say who my biggest individual rival will be at State because you just
never know. All the meet results aren't published, and there are a lot of great
runners this season. As a team, I think the St. Louis girls are very good.
What's your motivation to keep pushing in races when you're out front
alone and know you have it won?
As in swimming, you are always racing the clock. Every course is different, every
day is different. I just try to do my best.
What is/ were your goals for this season/ and do you feel you have met
them/will meet them?
My goal is always to improve as an athlete. I have learned more each year and would
like to run smarter and faster.
Any superstitions?
Race day rituals?
None
Are you going to continue running in college?
Which colleges are you
considering?
As a Junior in high school, I am beginning to think about colleges. I think that I
would like to run and/or swim in college and will consider the various opportunities
carefully.
Who is someone you look to as a role model (running and non)?
My older sister has a good friend whose brother was very promissing high school
runner. He lost his leg to cancer a couple of years ago. Today, he is an excellent
student, still swims (and wins) for his high school and is planning to do a
triathlon next year.
If you could tell a young and upcoming runner one thing that helped you
reach where you are right now what would it be?
Work hard; be persistent and consistent. Some of the most important days are the
ones when you don't feel like doing a workout. Once you're done, you feel a great
sense of accomplishment.
How's it feel to have the 6th fastest time in Louisiana this year?
When you
show up to a meet do you feel others are intimidated and how do you keep
yourself humble with the amount of success you have enjoyed?
I never think about the rankings. On any given day, that can all change. Also, I am
a quiet person and try to only worry about my own race.