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Our new segment, "Clerc's Corner, written by Louisiana native, Clerc Koenck Simpson, will be a weekly blog posted every Thursday, talking about different aspects of competitive high school, college, and post collegiate running. The purpose of these articles are to highlight the journey that athletes take coming from small programs in Louisiana, facing adversity, struggles and defeat to eventually becoming great runners. Simpson, originally from Pickering, Louisiana, is a national-class athlete with numerous titles and and championships under her belt. Currently she is a Brooks Elite Athlete and trains in Colorado Springs, aiming for 2016. With the addition of Clerc's blog, we hope to inspire and encourage young runners from across the state to realize their own potential and to continue to "stride" for greatness.</p>
Blog: Louisiana Distance Runners – We can do this.
Clerc (Koenck) Simpson
High School PRs:
800m- 2:19
1600- 5:08
3200: 11:36
Current PRs:
800: 2:08
Mile: 4:38
3000m: 9:12 (approximately 9:49 for 3200m)
5k: 16:07
Louisiana, I believe, is a state that is full of untapped potential waiting to be unlocked. The reason I want to share my story in weekly snapshots, is I want the young athletes in our state to know that one of us, which could easily be many of YOU, is taking the journey of the Olympic dream. I want each of you to know that there is life after high school and college in the running world and that WE have it in us as Louisiana athletes to race and be among the best in the country. This isn’t about me, this is about each of you fulfilling your full potential, and knowing that if we BELIEVE and are WILLING TO PUT IN THE WORK , we can unleash some of the greatest distance runners in the country.
My Background:
You and I are one in the same. I was raised in a small Louisiana town and graduated from Anacoco High School which is a small Class B, K-12 school in 2004. I ran at a small Division I school, Lamar University, for college and am now in Colorado Springs training. As you can see, I was good in high school but not a stud. Many of you have already run faster than me or will in the next few months and that is EXCITING!
Growing up, I never dreamed of running. I dreamed of playing in the WNBA until one day in 8th grade I broke my arm in a basketball game which sidelined me for most of the season. My dad ran cross-country in high school and for some reason thought I should run cross-country and I adamantly refused for two years because as I stated earlier, I really wanted to be in the WNBA. It is quite comical now that I look back, but one should dream. Back on track, we are driving home from the doctor and my dad looks at me in the rearview mirror and says to me; “Well since you can’t play basketball, why don’t you run cross-country?” By this point, I am a little annoyed that he wants me to run as this has been going on for 2 years but I cut a deal with my dad. I ask him, “If I run this race on Saturday and I don’t like it, do you promise never to bring this up again.” He agreed and we shook hands to seal the deal. I have been running ever since.
The point of this story is that we must miss so many runners, because running is a “punishment” or simply is not as “cool” as other sports. Running is a gift that brings friends together, is a metaphor for your overall work ethic in life and is a something that can allow you to become the best version of yourself. Think about it; when life gets tough, as in a race, do you forge forward and find the positive or do you lie in self-pity and give up? We produce the best baseball and football players in the country? Why should distance runners be any different?
I am a proud to be from our great state and am pursuing a journey of ultimately lining up in 2016 with a legitimate chance at racing for a spot on the Olympic team. I look forward to an open dialogue. Feel free to write and email should you have any questions or simply to share your latest race. I’d love to hear about it. Until next week-
Louisiana, let’s do this
Blog: Louisiana Distance Runners – We can do this.