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Another piece to the Brooks PR puzzle is Gilbert High School distance runner Lauren Ellsworth. Ellsworth, a two-time AIA Division 1 state champion in the 800 meters brings with her a top ten national time and PR of 2:07.61 to the Brooks PR Invitational on Saturday, June 21st in Seattle.
When did you first learn that you were invited to the Brooks PR Invite and how did your react?
Ellsworth: When I first learned I was invited to the Brooks PR Invitational I had just gotten home from school and I was extremely excited. I have not participated in any meets outside of my schools scheduled meets so I was excited by the opportunity.
What does it mean to you to be invited to the Brooks PR Invitational?
Ellsworth: It is amazing to me! When I started running I never would have imagined that I would be invited to such a meet with many talented runners.
What do you hope to achieve at the meet?
Ellsworth: I am excited to run with girls that have run some amazing times and I hope to have one of the best race of my life.
What music do you listen to before races?
Ellsworth: I am a Disney fanatic so I listen to a lot of Disney music before I race, Ine song in particular would be I Can Go The Distance from the movie Hercules.
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
Ellsworth: If I was stranded on an island I would want a hammock, a book, and my running shoes.
What would you consider as your best or most favorite race of all-time and why?
Ellsworth: My favorite race of all time would be state this year in my 4x800 relay. It was my favorite because I had my two best friends and my sister on my team and we were not picked to win. Everyone did their part and ran a great race and we ended up
winning. After that race i knew I gave it my all and my training had been worth it.
What are some things un-running related people might not know about you?
Ellsworth: Some of the things people don't know about me are my best friend is my sister Alena, I play the piano, and I really enjoy medical stuff.
How and why did you get involved in the sport?
Ellsworth: In elementary school I used to challenge the boys in races and they would challenge me. My school also held "fun runs" which were mile long runs around the school against the whole school. I loved the competitions and the races I was challenged in so i did cross country in junior high and in high school I started doing track.
How has your training been leading up to the meet?
Ellsworth: My training has stayed pretty close to our school's training during the season. I do long runs and a couple of workouts a week. I get my sister and some of my teammates out there to help me and make the workout not so tough and they are willing to help!
Ellsworth: My training has stayed pretty close to our school's training during the season. I do long runs and a couple of workouts a week. I get my sister and some of my teammates out there to help me and make the workout not so tough and they are willing to help!
What are you most looking forward about your trip, race and weekend at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle?
Ellsworth: I am looking forward to running with some great athletes and of course I am looking forward to changing the scene and hopefully running a new personal best.