Meet Caroline Barlow
9/19/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
How did you begin running distance?
"My dad and older brother were runners, so when I started middle school I decided to give it a try. I ended up winning my first meet and have loved it ever since. My dad started coaching me when I was in seventh grade and we really bonded through it. Without him, I would not be where I am today."
What inspired you to come to The University of Alabama?
"I knew I wanted to run for a big school, preferably in the SEC. When I came on my visit to the campus, I fell in love with the school. The team is so close-knit, which makes for such an inviting atmosphere. Also, there is no school that can top the facilities, and the coaches are all amazing."
So far, what is the biggest difference you've noticed in college training and high school training?
"I would definitely say the increase in mileage and intensity. In high school, I did not have a group of girls to push me the way I do now. Having people in front and all around me is really helping me to improve."
What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your running career?
"My biggest accomplishment is probably winning the Florida State University Cross Country Invitational and breaking 18 minutes for five kilometers. I feel like that was one of the smartest races I have ever run, and I know that I gave it everything I had."
What goals do you have for this year?
"My goal is the same as the rest of the team, which is to make it to nationals. I know that we have enough talent to do this, so I am really looking forward to the opportunity. Individually I would like to be in the top eight on the team and to help in any way possible in achieving our team goal."
As a freshman, what do you think you can learn from the veteran athletes on the squad?
"I think the older girls can teach me a ton. They have already been so helpful in the transition. They have the experience in not only college classes but also in cross country meets. The older girls know so much, and I am lucky to have them here to help me."
Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny moment during a race?
"One time, when I was jogging to the starting line of our county track meet, I caught my spike on the track and tripped. I caught myself before actually face planting and tried to laugh it off. Thankfully not many people saw, but I was still very embarrassed."
What is one piece of advice you would give young runners?
"I would tell them that it isn't always going to be easy or fun, but all the hard work is worth it in the end. Also, setbacks are going to happen and there is nothing you can do to change that, but if you stay focused and dedicated you can come back even stronger."
How many times have you received a funny look when you tell people you are a distance runner and how do you respond?
"It happens way too often to keep track of. I usually reply by saying that it's something I love to do, and even if it is not the most glamorous of sports it is by far the most rewarding. It tests you both mentally and physically and you are completely accountable for your results."
If you could try any event besides distance, what track event would it be?
"I would love to be good at the hurdles. I have never been very coordinated, but hurdles always look so fun. It takes so much strength and concentration. Hurdlers always look so intense."
From: Alexis Paine
Sent: Friday, September 19, 2014 12:41 PM
To: Alex Thompson
Subject: Edits
Rolltide.com caught up with each member of the track and cross country team to learn a little more about them. Today we feature Caroline Barlow, a freshman from Gulf Coast High School in Naples, Fla., where she finished in the top 10 at the Florida Class 3A Cross Country Championships all four years of her prep career.
How did you begin running distance?
"My Dad and older brother were runners, so when I started middle school I decided to give it a try. I ended up winning my first meet and have loved it ever since. My Dad started coaching me when I was in seventh grade and we really bonded through it. Without him, I would not be where I am today."
What inspired you to come to the University of Alabama?
"I knew I wanted to run for a big school, preferably in the SEC. When I came on my visit to the campus, I fell in love with the school. The team is so close-knit, which makes for such an inviting atmosphere. Also, there is no school that can top the facilities, and the coaches are all amazing."
So far, what is the biggest difference you've noticed in college training and high school training?
"I would definitely say the increase in mileage and intensity. In high school I did not have a group of girls to push me the way I do now. Having people in front and all around me is really helping me to improve."
What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far in your running career?
"My biggest accomplishment is probably winning the Florida State University Cross Country Invitational and breaking 18 minutes for five kilometers. I feel like that was one of the smartest races I have ever run, and I know that I gave it everything I had."
What goals do you have for this year?
"My goal is the same as the rest of the team, which is to make it to nationals. I know that we have enough talent to do this, so I am really looking forward to the opportunity. Individually I would like to be in the top 8 on the team and to help in any way possible in achieving our team goal."
As a freshman, what do you think you can learn from the veteran athletes on the squad?
"I think the older girls can teach me a ton. They have already been so helpful in the transition. They have the experience in not only college classes but also in cross country meets. The older girls know so much and I am lucky to have them here to help me."
Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny moment during a race?
"One time when I was jogging to the starting line of our county track meet, I caught my spike on the track and tripped. I caught myself before actually face planting and tried to laugh it off. Thankfully not many people saw, but I was still very embarrassed."
What is a piece of advice you would give young runners?
"I would tell them that it isn't always going to be easy or fun, but all the hard work is worth it in the end. Also, setbacks are going to happen and there is nothing you can do to change that, but if you stay focused and dedicated you can come back even stronger."
How many times have you received a funny look when you tell people you are a distance runner and how do you respond?
"It happens way too often to keep track. I usually reply by saying that it's something I love to do, and even if it is not the most glamorous of sports it is by far the most rewarding. It tests you both mentally and physically and you are completely accountable for your results."
If you could try any event besides distance, what track event would it be?
"I would love to be good at the hurdles. I have never been very coordinated, but hurdles always look so fun. It takes so much strength and concentration. Hurdlers always look so intense." 
