Meet Alabama Cross Country Freshman Sarah Mohan
10/6/2015 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
What brought you to Alabama?
Before I started running, I was a gymnast for almost 11 years. I wanted nothing more to be on the Alabama gymnastics team. My best friend and I even made a pact to each other that one day we would be on the gymnastics team at the University of Alabama together. I grew up in a military family, moving every two years, and I finally ended up in Huntsville at the start of my junior year after living in 9 other states. When I visited the school I completely fell in love with the campus, the team, and the amazing academics. Alabama just seemed like the right fit for me, and I definitely made the right choice.
In your opinion, what is your best distance race and why?
I would say my best race is probably the mile. It's the perfect distance. It's not too long and not too short. You don't get the mental and physical exhaustion of the 2-mile, and you don't get the lactic acid build-up like you do in the 800 meters.
What is your favorite distance race and why?
My favorite race is the mile as well. Like I said, it's the perfect distance and there is time to make moves and relax while still moving at a quick pace.
Are you competing in any new distance races that you did not train for in high school?
I ran in the 2 mile race at the Samford Opener, and that was a new distance for me in cross country. I haven't stepped up to a 6k yet, but when I do that will definitely be a huge change from high school.
What has been the biggest challenge in training as a collegiate athlete overall?
The biggest challenge for me so far has been the change in the caliber of the running. My mileage has gone up, and the speed of the runs has definitely changed. Although it gets hard at times, I know this is the only way I'll get better. I think my biggest obstacle coming into the season was staying focused during the middle of the workouts and not falling off the pack. This is something I've been working on, and I've already seen some improvement.
What has been the best part about training as a collegiate athlete?
The best part about being an athlete at UA is that I really do feel like part of a family. I always have someone on the team to turn to if I need help with anything. After moving to a brand new place with 35,000 other students, it's a really good feeling to have such a great support system. It's always great to be a part of something, and I know this team is capable of so much. To be a part of an amazing program is a really good feeling.
How would you describe the Cross Country team's chemistry?
Oh my goodness, the cross country team has amazing chemistry. Not only does everyone get along, everyone is best friends. When you go through the pain of workouts and the feeling of accomplishments together, you grow pretty close. That's exactly what the cross country team is, a family.
What is your favorite part about practice?
My favorite part about practice would be getting a delicious smoothie afterwards! On a more serious note though, the feeling of doing really great in a workout is probably one of the best things ever. There's nothing quite like killing some 1k's, am I right XC ladies?
If you could compete in any event, what would it be and why?
I would probably want to try the steeplechase. I'd probably trip over every hurdle, but it looks like it might be fun to try.
What are some of your goals for this Cross Country season?
My main goal is to continue to progress in everything I do. Staying completely focused and positive in workouts is a huge part of that, and that's something I'm willing to work towards.
What is the greatest part about being a student-athlete for the University of Alabama?
First of all, the University of Alabama is an amazing school, and I am so blessed to be at this school. To be able to represent my school athletically is really an amazing feeling.
