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Our first salute to seniors series article is on Oakton distance runner Kristi Carrigan, who added great depth over the past few years to a loaded Oakton distance girls squad in both cross country and track with personal best times of 2:22 in the 800, 3:06 in the 1000, 5:13 in the 1600, and 19:25 for 5K. Carrigan ran a leg on Oakton's national runner-up 4xmile relay from this past indoor season and will be continuing her running career at West Point.
Our first salute to seniors series article is on Oakton distance runner Kristi Carrigan, who added great depth over the past few years to a loaded Oakton distance girls squad in both cross country and track with personal best times of 2:22 in the 800, 3:06 in the 1000, 5:13 in the 1600, and 19:25 for 5K. Carrigan ran a leg on Oakton's national runner-up 4xmile relay from this past indoor season and will be continuing her running career at West Point.
Interview with Oakton distance runner Kristi Carrigan
What was your most memorable race?
Indoor Districts 2012 1600m: I was seeded 7th and wasn't expecting to move onto Regionals. However, when I crossed the line and saw 5:13 on the clock, I knew I had just qualified for States. This was particularly unanticipated as I had never been All-District before. Also, my Cheetah Sistahs (Allie, Briana and Hailey) all PRed in this race by running 5:06, 5:07 and 5:09, respectively.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Team: Earning 2nd Place and becoming All-American in the 4xMile Relay at 2013 Indoor Nationals.
Individually: At Indoor Regionals 2012, I ran the 4x800m Relay, 1600m and 1000m all on the same day. We won the 4x800m Relay and I became All-Region in the 1600m. Although I got last place and was "pity-clapped" in the 1000m, I consider this triple to be among my most exceptional feats.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would have liked to befriend runners from different schools earlier on in my high school career. Getting to know others who shared similar interests (cows) enriched my experiences at meets and allowed me to meet many unique people.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
On top of restricting singing en masse, Byers also forbade the screening of the brilliant film "Atlantis" on all bus trips. Showing determination to conquer these obstacles, a teammate distracted Byers while another started the movie. The movie played for approximately 12 seconds until Byers could no longer endure its beauty.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the experience that is Episcopal. The facility was always spacious and comfortable, the track is state-of-the-art and the quality of the bathrooms is unparalleled.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Lifting weights is crucial in working to remain injury-free.
Do not eat Fiber One bars preceding a run.
Cross training (biking, swimming, "Just Dance") may be used as a substitute/supplement to a run.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
When Byers took control of Oakton’s running program in 2009, I had no idea what to expect. Here was a 30-year-old, self proclaimed “sasshole”, who hadn’t run much high school. Byers is a great coach because it feels weird to call her "Coach Byers." This speaks volumes on the relationships she forges with her athletes; she is not only a coach. She supports, comforts, motivates, and leads her team while also befriending her athletes. Calling her 'coach' just seems to mitigate the countless other roles she takes on.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending and running for the United States Military Academy (West Point). Go Army!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I'd like to give a shout out to trails for keeping me off the streets.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
"Somewhere out there someone is training when you are not. If you race him, he will win."
While you were reading this article, I was running.
