XC Sessions: Allie Klimkiewicz

XC Sessions 2013

Oct 08, 2013

MileSplit - How is your fitness as you begin the 2013 season. What excites you most about the coming year of HS XC?

Allie - I’m feeling much stronger this season as compared to the beginning of cross country last year. This summer I focused on building a strong base to make sure my legs are strong enough to last the long year of running ahead of me. What excites you most about the coming year of HS XC? I'm most excited to see how my team does at the state meet this year. Hopefully if we can qualify again, we can better our performance from last year and try to make the podium once again.

MileSplit - After qualifying for Foot Locker last year and a successful spring, including a 10:32 2 mile clocking at NBON, what are your expectations for your Junior year?

Allie - As an upperclassman I hope to better all my performances from years past and start making some of my far-fetched goals a reality.

MileSplit - When & how did you get started in cross country?

Allie - In 9th grade I tried out for Oakton's cross country team with no previous experience in running (we did conditioning for soccer but it was never very intense). I tried cross country to get into shape for spring soccer in hopes to make the varsity soccer team at Oakton. Although I never ended up trying out for high school soccer team, I did continue playing travel soccer until my sophomore year.

MileSplit - Person/people most influential to your success in cross country and why?

Allie - My family, teammates, and coach all have had a HUGE part in my running success. My family has supported me through every decision and race regardless of the end result. One of my favorite parts of racing is seeing my family throughout the course. My teammates have also had an immense influence to my success. They always keep me motivated and even more importantly, they help keep running fun. There is really never a dull moment at practice and I love that about my team. Lastly my coach Alisa Byers has really helped me to have success in cross country. I have never met a coach who truly cares as much about their athletes as she does. I trust her with my training and owe a vast amount of my success to her coaching and guidance.

MileSplit - Who has influenced you the most so far in your life and what they mean to you and your success?

Allie - My mom and dad have definitely had the most influence on me so far in my life. They have taught me that no matter the end result, if you tried your best then that’s all you can ask for.

MileSplit - What are the keys to your successful cross country training program and what work did you put in to start off so well this year?

Allie - Over the summer I ran about 40 mile weeks with a few cross training days to keep the impact low. I also did weight training about twice a week. As the school year started my team and I started work outs 2-3 times a week.

MileSplit - What are the keys to your team's unity and how you train to reach your goals?

Allie - The support system on my team is huge. Whenever part of our team is racing, we make sure that the rest of our team is spread throughout the course and cheering as loud as possible for our teammates (I have already lost my voice this season…). Also we love to have fun together and keep each other motivated as we train.

MileSplit - Your favorite past performance in a cross country race and why?

Allie - My Footlocker South race last year is definitely one of my favorite races in cross country. McAlpine Park one of my favorite courses and the times are always ridiculously fast times there. That race in particular really gave me the confidence to put myself at the front of races and to be brave enough to make big moves in a race.

MileSplit - Who are the cross country competitors you most enjoy competing against and why?

Allie - I really enjoy racing against the girls in the northern region of Virginia. Since my freshman year there was always a pack of girls with a lot of talent. As we have gotten older, we have all improved and accomplished some significant feats.

MileSplit - What is your greatest non-running experience in cross country so far and why?

Allie - Getting to know my teammates and spend time with them. I never know what to expect, but I can guarantee it will always be fun.

MileSplit - What are your goals for the 2013 cross country season?

Allie - This year my goals include trying to make it back to Footlocker Nationals and possibly aim for an All American spot. Also I aspire to earn a state title in Virginia. These goals are ambitious, but I believe that if work hard for your goals, then you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.

MileSplit - Do you have any long-term goals in running?

Allie - I would love to run at a college where both running and academics are held to a high standard.

MileSplit - What was your favorite performance from the 2013 World Champs?

Allie - Jenny Simpson in the 1500!!