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What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Since her freshmen year at Forest Park, Allyson Bodmer was consistently one of the better distance runners in the Cardinal District and Northwest Region. A 19:23 5K best and district runner-up last cross country season, the Virginia Tech recruit Bodmer excelled even more at track especially at the 1600 meter distance which she earned All-State honors as a junior from the slow section of the Group AAA State Outdoor Championships with a 5:03 PR. As a senior, Bodmer just missed All-State honors again in the 1600 with a 9th place finish at the indoor state meet, while finishing 11th in the outdoor state meet. The 2013 Northwest Region champion indoors at 1600 meters, Bodmer achieved a new personal best of 2:17 in the open 800 this spring
Interview with Forest Park distance runner Allyson Bodmer
What was your most memorable race?
At a random meet in Dinwiddie in 2011, I ran the 1600 and I was so happy that I got the state cut and the emerging elite national cut. I remember crossing the line and seeing my coach, Coach Richelle, and one of my teammates and they looked so happy! It was a very hot day too.
At a random meet in Dinwiddie in 2011, I ran the 1600 and I was so happy that I got the state cut and the emerging elite national cut. I remember crossing the line and seeing my coach, Coach Richelle, and one of my teammates and they looked so happy! It was a very hot day too.
Who would you consider your greatest competition over your four years?
Forest Park and Osbourn Park seem to have a big rivalry. I ran with some of the girls on my middle school team and they are really nice, but their team has always been my biggest competition.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
At Outdoor States last year I went in seeded 21st and I just wanted to PR. After winning the slow heat, I ran a PR and got All-State. That was probably the best race I ever had. I was so happy afterwards, I couldn't believe it! It was great to see my dad and my coach happy too.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would train harder over the summer. I never really got good mileage in over the summer and I think that would've helped.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I am very thankful that I was able to run twelve seasons of high school cross country and track without any major injuries! One thing that frustrated me throughout my last few years was that I could run almost a 5 flat mile, but I couldn't break 19 minutes in the 5k! I had to keep a positive attitude during/after xc in order to come back and have better track seasons!
What will you miss most?
I'll miss my coaches, Coach Tramel and Coach Cam, a lot next year. They have been such awesome coaches over the years! I will also miss the team because they are all so funny and fun to be around! All runners seem to be like that.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Do not run through an injury! You will be out longer than you need to be than if you stepped back a few days to heal! Also, you will have good days and bad days, so don't get discouraged! Don't give up!
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I know my coach, Coach Tramel, wants all of his runners to be the best they can be! He will push us when we are tired so we will get better. He was also good at keeping our minds off of workouts and races by telling us weird jokes.
What are your college plans?
I plan to attend Virginia Tech next year and run cross country & track!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to say thank you to my parents for supporting me in everything I do and believing in me. When I had a bad race, I knew they would be there to say positive things to me. I also want to thank Coach Tramel, Coach Cam, Coach Richelle, Mrs. Swanson and all of my awesome teammates I have bonded with over my four years.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I think everyone should go to Blue Ridge Running camp with their team because it is such an awesome experience! Coconut water is nasty, but I think it helps with recovery if you have to run double or triple at a meet!
