Trail Talk With Sarah Gilmore
9/14/2011 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
Sept. 14, 2011
The University of Alabama men's and women's cross country teams opened up the 2011 season with a pair of top-three finishes at the Georgia Invitational two weeks ago and return to action this weekend at the Commodore Classic. Senior Sarah Gilmore was the Tide's fifth finisher in a tight team pack to open the season as she finished just 11 seconds behind the Tide's top runner. With the team's second race of the season coming up, Gilmore took a few minutes to discuss the season's start, the races ahead and her favorite training runs.
What has the team been doing this week to prepare for the Commodore Classic?
It's actually been a very hard week for us. We're still in the beginning of our season so what we're doing is using each meet as a training step to further develop our endurance and our ability to meet PRs towards the end of season. This week, we haven't let up at well. We haven't tapered and we're trying to go strong this week with our workouts and use this meet as another opportunity to enhance our fitness.
What are you trying to personally accomplish this weekend?
Improve my time from last week. Last week was not a personal best for me but it was good mark for me since it's the beginning of the season. We're trying not to let up at all as a team. Just definitely want to improve my time.
How did it feel to get the season started at the Georgia Invitational?
It went well. It was nice to see how everything would go with new arm-ups and new routines with our new coaches. It was nice to get the butterflies out of the way with the new coaching staff and experience their race-day routine.
How has the transition been for you as a veteran runner with the new coaching staff?
It's definitely been a transition. It's been a little different getting used to a completely new coaching staff. It's been exciting and I love change, so I've been having fun. We're doing more weight-circuits and our mileage has increased from last year as well. Little things like that have taken getting used to.
What were you doing over the summer to remain in shape and prepare for the season?
I was just running and logging in miles. I ran a lot with my twin sister, Leigh. We just ran miles after miles this summer.
Is there a competitive element to the relationship between Leigh and yourself?
We tone it down during the summer but when the season begins the competitive nature definitely comes out in the both of us. We're more on the edge during our workouts which people notice we compete a little bit more. It's just helping us become better runners though.
What do you see Leigh accomplishing this season?
I just hope she breaks all her PRs, and that she makes marks that she's been wanting since it's her senior year. I'm hoping she can get a top 15 in SEC.
What have been your favorite workouts this season?
I really enjoy our fartleks which we do on our course. It's where you go fast for two minutes then jog for two minutes then repeat. It's just different time intervals of going fast and slow. We get to stick together as a team while doing that. There's been some good team bonding during those workouts.
What is your least favorite workout?
Definitely 300-meter hill repeats.
Where are some of your favorite places to run around in Tuscaloosa?
I love the River Walk because it's just beautiful. I also love Munny Sokol Park.
Where's your favorite course that you've been on?
I would definitely say our home course because I feel the families and fans that we have come out to it make it a special atmosphere.
