Track Chats - Hagen Reedy
This interview features Hagen Reedy, senior, Buchanan HS, Clovis, California. Hagen is ranked 11th nationally in MileSplit’s most recent (10/1) USA XC Rankings, 2012. In 2011 cross country, she was 7th at Nike Cross Nationals, and had a 5000m XC best time of 17:27. Her 2012 track bests were 1600m (4:56.26) and 3200m (10:21.68). Hagen’s already run a 3m XC PR 16:17 this fall.
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When & how did you get started in cross country, or generally in your running career?
I moved from Littleton, Colorado to Clovis, California when I was going into my 6th grade year. My brother was involved in high school cross country, so I decided to join my elementary school's cross country team. At that time I was also involved in dance and swim club, but by the end of the year I was doing just cross country and track. I have been only running ever since.
Person/people most influential to your success in cross country, or generally in your running career?
I look up to my brother, Heath Reedy. He has taught me so much about running, staying healthy, and keeping perspective throughout training and racing. Being an incredibly successful runner himself, I know that he will always be my biggest fan and teacher throughout my career.
Your cross country coach(es)?
My coaches are Brian Weaver, James Soares, and Marty Simpson. They are very supportive, motivating, and trusting in my goals.
Keys to your successful training program?
My coaches do a great job with training to peak at the right time in the season. We only do two to three quality workouts a week, one of which is a long distance day with hills. My coaches also pay attention to individual mileage and needs for our goals during the season. Personally, I do a lot of extra work on the side by keeping a healthy lifestyle, stretching, and strength training.
Why do you enjoy cross country?
I like cross country much more than track, honestly. I enjoy the long mileage and hill training in cross country. More than anything, I like the longer race distance because I have more endurance than natural speed. I feel more at home on the dirt and hills than on the track.
Your favorite cross-country meet(s)?
The CIF State meet at Woodward Park is definitely one of my favorite meets. There is a huge advantage being able to train that course all season and race it several times throughout the season. Running Woodbridge is a blast under the lights, but the NXN course was an amazing experience to top off the season last year, and I hope to race at NXN again.
Cross country athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?
I enjoy racing girls that help push me to be a better racer and runner. Unfortunately, I do not get to race the Southern California girls as much as I would like; but when I do, I know that those races will be very tough. When I do not have tough competition in races, I enjoy trying to reach a time goal or course record to help push me through.
Your greatest cross country experience in your career so far?
Winning Division 1 CIF State 2011 has been the greatest cross country experience for me so far. All season that was my goal, and going into the race as the underdog gave me even more incentive to prove to myself that I was ready to win. My surprising 7th place finish at NXN 2011 comes in a close second to the state meet.
Goals for the 2012 cross country season?
This year I want to win Division One CIF State and finish in the top 3 at NXN. Time-wise, I want to come as close to breaking 17:00 at Woodward Park as possible. However, staying healthy and having fun with my senior year is most important.
Long-term goals in cross country, or generally in your running career?
I hope to be successful, healthy, and happy running in college. After college I want to start running marathons.
