Senior Kennedy Weisner is a repeat Millrose qualifier and is coming off a win at the Millrose Trials in January.
PennTrackXC - It’s been a great indoor campaign for you so far with a 2:12 800 and a 4:55 mile. How is your confidence going into Millrose and what do you hope to accomplish there?
KW - My workouts have been going very well lately and I am feeling very strong, so I hope to have a very good race at Millrose!
PennTrackXC - You have run your fastest indoor 800 and a very fast mile time so far. How did you get the training in with the really cold weather?
KW - Training in the winter is always very difficult, especially because the good ole city of Saint Marys seems to have a thing against plowing the roads...and shoveling sidewalks. This makes it almost impossible to run outside even when the temperature isn't freezing. I have had to do most of my running (and all of my workouts) on the treadmill. I'm not a big fan of running on the treadmill, but I like to think that it is good at building mental strength. It really makes the short laps on the indoor track fly by and I appreciate running outside even more!
PennTrackXC - On your runs have you ever encountered elk, or other wildlife? How do they typically react to a runner?
KW - I have never encountered elk on a run before, which is a good thing because they are kind of frightening up close! There have been instances on several runs where a deer has darted out right in front of me, but they never stop to chat because they are usually pretty busy completing their own runs. Sometimes I see bear tracks, but luckily I have never come across an actual bear before. My sister has, though. She didn't stick around long enough to see how it reacted.
PennTrackXC - With a great season so far what goals do you have for the PA state championships?
KW - To be completely honest, I haven't thought about states too much yet because I'm really just taking it one race at a time.
PennTrackXC - If you are competing at indoor nationals, what goals do you have for yourself there?
KW - I am planning on running at nationals.
PennTrackXC - Describe your favorite winter workout and why you like it?
KW - At this point, I'd have to say my favorite workout is any workout that is not on the treadmill. In general, though, I love doing 200s. They are by far my favorite workout, but I prefer them on the track rather than the treadmill..
PennTrackXC - Best thing about indoor track?
KW - My favorite thing about indoor track is competing against people that I normally do not have the opportunity to race against. I also love seeing my friends Gina and Mary at meets because I don't see them much during cross country and outdoor track.
PennTrackXC - Worst thing about indoor track?
KW - The worst thing about indoor track is that the closest track I can race on during the season is 2.5 hours away so there is always a lot of traveling. Also, my school doesn't recognize indoor track as an actual sport.
PennTrackXC - What is the most exciting thing you have experienced on the track this season?
KW - Running at the Millrose trials this year was definitely the most exciting thing so far this season. It felt great to finally race again, and the fact that PA swept 1-4 made it that much sweeter!
PennTrackXC - What is the most exciting off-track experience you have had this season?
KW - Signing with Georgetown!!!
