Trail Talk With Katlyn Will
10/26/2011 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Oct. 26, 2011
The University of Alabama men's and women's cross country teams enter the championship portion of their schedule as they lace up for the Southeastern Conference Championships on Oct. 31 in Maryville, Tenn. Junior Katlyn Will, who was the Crimson Tide's top finisher in the first two races of the season, will look to replicate those performances at the Lambert Acres Golf Course. Katlyn took a few moments leading up the SEC Championships to talk about the meet and evaluate the 2011 season thus far.
How excited are you about the SEC Championships?
I'm really excited. I know the team is ready to go. It's going to be a lot of fun. We've been preparing all season for this.
Have the squads prepared any differently for this race compared to previous meets?
We're tapering off right now. Our miles have gone done about 10 miles a week. We're going to have a more easy days in the future to conserve our energy.
What will the teams do this week to prepare for the SEC Championships?
We're doing a work out Wednesday. Afterwards, we're going to be running shorter distances to sharpen our skills, and get ready for Monday.
Besides a first place finish, what goals do you have for the race?
I just want to contribute to my team. In past years, I haven't been able to do that. I would just fall of the top five. I just really want to finish in the top five, be there for my team and run the best race that I have all season.
Have you felt like you've taken on a leadership role this season?
Not really. We all take a leadership role and pride ourselves in what we do on an individual level. That usually leads to a successful team performance.
What has stood out so far for you this season?
I've just felt a lot stronger this season. I feel more controlled and confident. I think I got that through the training as opposed to races. I also feel more mentally prepared that I'm going to go out there and run the best race I possibly can.
Is there anything that you wish would have gone differently this season?
Nothing really. I feel like I've done everything I can possible do. I wish I've been able to get more sleep though.
What goes through your mind before a race starts?
Typically, I'm just ready to go out there and run. I look forward to seeing how it all plays out Monday.
What kind of superstitions do you have before a race?
I used to have a good number in high school but not anymore.
What do you enjoy outside of running?
I like to cook and read. I don't have the chance to do a whole lot. I do a good amount of studying too.
What's your favorite meal to cook?
I love to cook any meal actually. I don't necessarily have a favorite.
