Arnold

1. In general, what do you enjoy most about running?

AA: I love getting out there and racing the competition. I just love the feel of the nerves before and then the feeling of accomplishment afterwards. But, I also love the team, and the close feeling our team has. Our XC team was very close the 3 years I've run, and I just love being best friends with all the girls on the team.

2. What is the philosophy behind your school's training program and your own individual training?

AA: My coach is more concerned about the "big picture". He pushes us just a little more each year. Each season, we run just a little more mileage and harder speed workouts. He wants us to continue running, not just in college, but later on in life. He doesn't push us too hard and he makes sure we are enjoying ourselves. I feel the same way. I want to run in collge and afterwards. Each season I've been doing more mileage to prepare for college.

3. Last year you ran a great mile at regionals (5:08.90), but missed qualifyig to State in a tough 3200. What have you done between now and then to make sure that doesn't happen again?

AA: Well, last year when I ran at Regionals, I was not really trying to make it in the 3200. I knew that the competition was tough in the 1600 and the 3200, and at the time I hated the 3200. I loved the 1600, so I decided to (try to) go to States in that one. The 3200 was a hard race for me and I really didn't know how to run it. So, in order to prepare myself for the 3200 this year, I have been doing tons of mileage. Over the winter I would get up to 45-50 miles a week. The winters before that I would only do about 30 miles a week. So, it was a big change. I also ran in more road races and indoor meets. I wanted more opportunities to improve my times. I also told myself that I was going to learn how to run the 3200. I have been working on that and I even get excited for it sometimes! :o) I've learned a lot about the 3200 and am ready to run it this year.

4. What are you goals this season?

AA: I want to make it to State in both the 1600 and the 3200 and (go with my team in) the 4x800. I also want to start getting fast(er) times in the 1600 and the 3200.

5. What are your long-term running goals?

AA: I would like to go to an NCAA, Division I college to run. I want to get a scholarship and go somewhere where I would not be number one on the team, so I can push myself. I also want to run my whole life, and maybe become a coach.

6. What are some of your interests outside running?

AA: This year I have been involved in my youth group at Hudson Community Chapel. I am also a part of CATS (Concerned About Teenage Sexuality). CATS is a group of young people who go into other schools one day a month and give a presentation about abstinence and the importance of that. I am also involved in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and Spanish Club. I would like to be involved in other things, but homework takes up too much of my time!

7. If you could go on a run with anyone in the world (past or present), who would it be?

AA: I would love to go on a run with Dathan Ritzenhein. He is so humble and seems so nice, and I would love to get to talk with him and see what he thinks about running.

8. Any advice or tips to share with other prep runners?

AA: Just make sure that you love to run. Make sure that it is something you have a passion for and it is something that you enjoy. If you don't love it, then you will never get anywhere, and it will be more of a job than a sport. Also, don't push yourself so hard that you are never able to go out there and just look at your beautiful surroundings.