When, Where, and who got you started in running?
Virginia - I started running when I was nine years old, and I joined a little team called the Memphis Sparks. It was created by the head coach for the women's track team at U of M, Brenda Cash, and her good friend Theresa Okwumabua, whose daughter Beichi runs the 300 h for WSHS. Both women were extremely influential in my decision to continue running through middle school up until now.
Does or did anyone else in your family run? If so, where and when?
Virginia - My dad used to run road races(10k's and 5k's), but eventually his knees got the better of him.
What would you say is the most memorable event you competed in and how would you say you did?
Virginia - Last year I ran in the Nike Outdoor National Freshman Mile. I ended up running a p.r. and winning my heat, but the my favorite part of the experience was being able to watch runners like Sarah Bowman and Brie Felnagle battle it out in the mile.
Do you have a favorite cross country course?
Virginia - Yes, I love the McAlpine Footlocker South course in Charlotte because of the way it winds around the woods and up hills. I also like the hyped up atmosphere of the race, a good mixture between nerves and anticipation.
How has your training changed from the conclusion of cross country for track?
Virginia - Speed workouts and more speed workouts!
Can you give us some insight to your training? (i.e. milage, two a days, cross training, and workout samples)
Virginia - Our team has multiple workouts that we do.
How would you say your training has been going for you and your team?
Virginia - Overall, my team has been racing very well this year. Everyone is training hard and really coming together well, and, most importantly, we have been injury free.
Can you tell us about your injuries this season (if any) and how you maintain focus and motivation during an injury period?
Virginia - Besides the minor soreness and pains of training, I have never had an injury.
What events are you looking to focus on this on this season.
Virginia - I am focusing on the 800m this year.
Based on your performances in the 2005 track & field season, what are you looking to achieve this season as it progresses?
Virginia - New PR's, good racing and great competition.
Do you have a specific pre-meet tradition/ritual, individually or as a team?
Virginia - I just try to remain focused and relaxed while I do my pre race preparation. As a team, we try to have pasta parties the night before a meet to carb-up and encourage each other.
When a race strategy changes from how you planned, how do you react?
Virginia - I assess the situation and try to react quickly based on what I think would improve the situation, and how I feel.
Who would you say is your biggest rival in track and field and how did this rival develop?
Virginia - There are many great runners in Tennessee this year. Renae Van Wyhe, Kali Holtfreter, and Kathy Kroeger are all extremely talented. I have a lot of respect for them as runners. And of course, my teammate, Rita Jorgensen, is another amazing runner that I greatly respect. All of these girls push me to run faster.
Have you decided on a college? if so where are you going / if not where are you considering?
Virginia - I really haven't begun to think about colleges. I have two more years of high school running to focus on before college.
What are you looking to achieve in life and in other areas after college?
Virginia - I am very interested in history, and I would like to continue my studies by going to different countries around the world.
Do you have a favorite running book or movie?
Virginia - I like the movie about Roger Bannister called The Perfect Mile. And the movie about Steve Prefontaine, Pre.
What do you see happening with track and field in Tennessee in the future?
Virginia - I think that many up-and-coming Tennessee runners will post fast times, and the field will grow faster in the years to come. I'm happy to be a minor part of it.
When, Where, and who got you started in running?
Virginia - I started running when I was nine years old, and I joined a little team called the Memphis Sparks. It was created by the head coach for the women's track team at U of M, Brenda Cash, and her good friend Theresa Okwumabua, whose daughter Beichi runs the 300 h for WSHS. Both women were extremely influential in my decision to continue running through middle school up until now.
Does or did anyone else in your family run? If so, where and when?
Virginia - My dad used to run road races(10k's and 5k's), but eventually his knees got the better of him.
What would you say is the most memorable event you competed in and how would you say you did?
Virginia - Last year I ran in the Nike Outdoor National Freshman Mile. I ended up running a p.r. and winning my heat, but the my favorite part of the experience was being able to watch runners like Sarah Bowman and Brie Felnagle battle it out in the mile.