Meet Kendall Howen
9/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
When did you decide distance running was your sport?
"I played basketball in high school, and I ran cross country to stay in shape for basketball season. Then I realized I was a pretty terrible basketball player and a much better cross country runner, so I stuck with it."
What made you look into the University of Alabama?
"I was at the University of Texas, and we had a coaching change. I started talking to some other coaches, and I really liked Coach (Adam) Tribble. I liked his program, and the girls I met were great. I knew it was a really good fit for me here."
Has it been a big adjustment moving from Texas to Alabama?
"It hasn't been too much of an adjustment. They're both in the South, and people are nice in both places. I felt really welcomed coming here."
Have you ever had an embarrassing moment during a race?
"One time in high school, I thought it was the last lap, so I sprinted. Then, I found out I had another lap left after that one. I ended up jogging around the track the last lap. It was very embarrassing."
What did you have in Texas that you wish you had here?
"I'm not a huge Mexican food fan, but I love queso dip. I haven't been able to find queso here, and there was a lot in Texas."
What is the best piece of advice you can give young runners?
"You have to stick with it. There are going to be a lot of times when it's hard, and you don't want to get up in the morning and run. But it's really rewarding and you'll be happy if you stay with it in the end."
What's the biggest accomplishment you've had during your running career?
"I was really happy when I ran my 5K personal record my freshman year at Texas. Also, being in the top seven and being able to run in the NCAA Cross Country Championships was a big accomplishment for me."
