XC Sessions: Audrey Belf

XC Sessions 2013

Oct 02, 2013

Audrey is as fit as she's ever been, and it is starting to show. (Photo by Don Rich)

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

Audrey - My fitness if fantastic, I have never been in better shape! I worked really hard this summer increasing my mileage and building up my strength. I am extremely excited to put my training to the test and help my team be the best that we can be! We will focus on defending our state championship, but it will be challenging with a lot of competition.

MileSplit - After a successful spring, including a 16:54 5k clocking at NBON, what are your expectations for your Junior year?

Audrey - I want to keep on improving and break 17 on a cross country course. I would also like to compete more at the National Level.

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

Audrey - I began running cross country for fun in 8th grade when my middle school started a team, but did not get serious about running until my freshman year. Before starting cross country, I participated in swimming, soccer, and school track. I had always been one of the fastest kids on the soccer field and performed pretty well in track running mostly sprints, but really excelled when I started running long distance. It wasn’t until I started high school that I really decided to run cross country.

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

Audrey - I would have to say Jeff Devantier, my high school coach, Pat Davey, and Nancy Gavoor. These three individuals have been so supportive with me and my running. They motivate me and wrap the idea in my head that I am always capable of improvement. Coach Jeff constantly pushes me in practices and never doubts my abilities. Mr. Davey has been very instrumental in helping me understand how to train and race smart in order to improve and get the most out of each race. Ms. Gavoor is incredibly motivating and energetic and has helped me with strength and conditioning. Her positive attitude has definitely helped me on my quest to better myself as a runner and overall person.

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

Audrey - Coming into high school cross country as a freshman I had no idea about the capabilities of some high school runners. When I first watched Erin Finn race I was astonished with her drive and determination. I immediately knew that one day I wanted to run at her caliber. She has influenced me to push myself, set high goals, and never give up for anything is possible with hard work.

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?

Audrey - The keys to a successful cross country training program, for me, is more long distance training. I enjoy a lot of long runs and shorter faster runs. Over the past year, I have learned that varying distances and intensities is important and works much better than doing the same workout every day. During the summer, I stayed extremely focused, determined, and worked hard in order to start the year off strong and hopefully keep on improving for the championship meets.

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

Audrey - My team is extremely close. Most of us, not only attend high school together, but shared the same middle school and even elementary school. We are all extremely supportive of each other. There is never a time at meets or at practice that we are not cheering each other on and forcing smiles even upon the most exhausted faces. I have never been on such an accepting, energetic team. When we focus our minds on a certain goal we work together to achieve success.

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

Audrey - Probably the first time I broke 18 minutes. It was an extremely exciting barrier to break, and I had to push myself all the way through the finish. This memory has also stuck in my head because at that same meet almost all of my teammates also achieved their best times.

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

Audrey - I love going to national meets and competing against girls I don't normally get to race in Michigan. This forces me to push myself and run at an entirely new level. I also love running against the girls from Grosse Pointe South and Saline.

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

Audrey - By far, meeting Jordan Hasay at the USA Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. Running my race, watching the pro races, and witnessing Jordan qualify for Worlds was a blast and personally motivating.

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

Audrey - I would like to break the elusive 17 minute barrier as well as qualify for the Foot Locker National Championships.

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

Audrey - I want to run in college and achieve collegiate All American Status. Also, I would love to have the opportunity to run in the Olympic trials and, of course, the Olympics one day.

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

Audrey - I absolutely loved Mary Cain’s 1500 semi final performance. She never gave up during the race and remained focused and determined. Her finish was incredible and showed true physical and mental strength. She is an inspiration for all runners and definitely someone I strive to emulate.