MileStat.com\'s Brandon Miles was able to catch up with Albemarle senior Rachel Rose, who was a surprise winner of the AAA girls race on Saturday at the VHSL State Championships despite being the defending champion after suffering a mid-season stress fracture injury back in late September. Rose\'s time of 18:53 was the fastest on the day between the AAA, AA, and A races.
MileStat.com: Okay, so you had the odds stacked into coming into this one even as the defending state champ with the mid-season injury setback and several girls running really fast across the state this season. What was your mindset coming into today\'s race?
Rachel Rose: I approach pretty much every race with the same mentality. Losing is not an option. I\'m not saying I never lose or that I expect to always win, but if you accept defeat as even an option, you are making yourself vulnerable.
MileStat.com: What did you do during the injury to help keep your level of fitness up so well?
Rose: I did a lot of biking and the elyptical. I am actually ashamed to say that I let my training falter. I really don\'t feel like I\'m anywhere near where I should be, but with a few more good weeks of running, hopefully I\'ll be able to make up ground quickly
.
MileStat.com: Which state championship has meant more to you? Your first state title last year or this year\'s win given the circumstances?
Rose: Well last year was more surreal, but this year was more satisfying because there were times when I questioned my ability and the quality of competition was incredible.
MileStat.com: What were you thinking to yourself coming down the homestretch with several runners in a pack and still in a hunt for the win?
Rose: I tried so hard to stop myself from ever looking behind me because I know I don\'t have a kick and I let myself get psychologically out of the race if I know there is anyone close with less than an 800 to go, so I actually didn\'t know how close they were.
MileStat.com: There is no doubt that you are a very mentally tough runner, who has has a great deal of strength in the way you race and the way you came back from a stress fracture injury. Do you think today\'s weather and race conditions played to your advantage with some of the other top runners in the field being greatly affected by the conditions? In a race essentialy coming down to who wants it more?
Rose: I really don\'t know. I\'m not too familiar with the strategies or strengths of the other girls other than I know that Kristy Tobin has a monster kick. I was lucky enough to be its victim in the 1600 at states (laughing), but heart is a factor in every race so I\'m not sure if it was any different.
MileStat.com: How big of a help in your training and racing has the emergence been of sophomore teammate Liz Barclay this fall and having her join you on the state meet podium today?
Rose: Liz is amazing! Liz\'s talents really exploit my weaknesses. She has an incredibly kick and a lot of speed, so training with her has been so helpful. Her desire is infectious to both me and the team. In addition to be a great training partner, her determination and mental toughness are inspiring.
MileStat.com: Well congratulations on your successful state title defense today and becoming an aspiration to all in your amazing comeback this season!
Rose: Thank you so much!