Interview with Rita Jorgensen

When, Where, and who got you started in running?
Rita - When I was in sixth grade and my brother was in eighth grade, he ran cross country, and I was going to watch his last race of the season. I played soccer, so I wasn't on the cross country team, but when I got to the meet, I asked Coach Kesee if I could run in the girls race for fun. I ran, got sixth place and got the exact same finishing time as my brother. After that they gave me a big award and I decided that I wanted to run Track and Cross Country.

Does or did anyone else in your family run? If so, where and when?
Rita - My mom ran in high school, and now she runs for fitness. My dad runs in the cross country series fun races, and my brother ran cross country and track for CBHS, and now he runs in college at UCA.


What would you say is the most memorable event you competed in and how would you say you did?
Rita - Nike Outdoor Nationals was the most memorable race I competed in because I got to be at that huge track and watch and talk to really awesome racers like Sarah Bowman. It was cool too because it was my first race to be in where they had drums playing. The drums and everything got me excited and I went out too fast and died in the end, though.

Do you have a favorite cross country course?
Rita - Well, I run in the MRTC (Memphis Runner's Track Club) cross country series every year, and there is this race course at Stanky Creek that I really enjoy. It always rains the day before the race, and there is a huge stream we have to jump into in the middle of the 5 mile race. And the course is just a huge sloppy puddle... it is really a blast to run in.

How has your training changed from the conclusion of cross country for track?
Rita - Speed Workouts!

Can you give us some insight to your training? (i.e. mileage, two a days, cross training, and workout samples)
Rita - We do a variety of different workouts.

How would you say your training has been going for you and your team?
Rita - Great! My team is improving tremendously, and we all have so much fun together.


Can you tell us about your injuries this season (if any) and how you maintain focus and motivation during an injury period?
Rita - Other than the occasional ache or pain of a long-distance runner, I've had no real injuries.


What events are you looking to focus on this season.
Rita - 1600

Based on your performances in the 2005 track & field season, what are you looking to achieve this season as it progresses?
Rita - Improve my times and compete well.


Do you have a specific pre-meet tradition/ritual, individually or as a team?
Rita - Sometimes we'll throw a pre-meet pasta party the night before with the cross country team.


When a race strategy changes from how you planned, how do you react?
Rita - I make quick decisions based on how I feel and how I think the other runners feel.


Who would you say is your biggest rival in track and field and how did this rival develop?
Rita - There are a lot of great female runners in Tennessee and in the Southeast region that I like to compete with. Renae Van Wye is great, so is my teammate Virginia Hine. I'm impressed with Kathy Kroeger's running and Kali Holtfreter's. There are many other great competitors in the region that help me run my best.


Have you decided on a college? if so where are you going / if not where are you considering?
Rita - No, I don't really know what college I'd want to go to yet.

What are you looking to achieve in life and in other areas after college?
Rita - Maybe do some traveling, and major in some interesting career, like psychology or fashion design.

Do you have a favorite running book or movie?
Rita - Not yet. I got a book called God on the Starting Line that I'm going to read soon.

What do you see happening with track and field in Tennessee in the future?
Rita - It is getting really exciting. The young running crowd is fast.