Photo by Margot Kelly of https://az.milesplit.com
Ashlie Decker and Dowling Catholic High School (IA) teammate Katie Flood have the opportunity this weekend to be one of the greatest duos ever from the same school in meet history at the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships. Decker and Flood are both past Foot Locker finalists, but will be racing for the first time together at Balboa Park. Decker has ran in the shadows often of teammate and NXN champion Flood often, but is certainly a star runner in her own right with the ability to finish among the top 10 in a talented field assembled for Saturday's national championship race.
Interview with Ashlie Decker
MileSplit US: Well its official after NXN that you are the best #2 runner on any team in the country. While maybe the #2 position on a team for a runner as talented as you is not always desired, how does it feel to know you have just earned that title?
Ashlie Decker: I really don't feel like a number two runner. I think of it as Katie and Ashlie, and I just happen to be behind her.
(Photo right by Alan Aversaw of https://co.milesplit.com)
MileSplit US: You just missed earned All-American honors by a few spots last year at Foot Locker Nationals with an 18th place. How motivated are you this year to finish as an All-American in San Diego?
Decker: I didn't realize how close I was to All-American honors last year. A top 15 finish is one of my top goals this year for Foot Locker.
MileSplit US: Since you have done both, how different are the experiences in Portland for NXN and San Diego for Foot Locker?
Decker: NXN and Footlocker and are two completely different experiences. The courses, climates, and the field of runners are all different. I enjoy the team aspect of NXN, but I also enjoy the top individual competition that Foot Locker offers.
MileSplit US: What are workouts like between you and Katie Flood? Do they get competitive at times or do you work together?
Decker: We are always working together! We work well together and push each other.
MileSplit US: What impact has been teammates with Katie Flood had on your running?
Decker: If it wasn't for Katie I'm not sure I would have had the success that I've had. It's a blessing to have someone like Katie to run with everyday.
(Photo left by Paul Everett of https://mo.milesplit.com)
MileSplit US: After a busy schedule of races here in the post-season, how are feeling physically and emotionally as you head into your last race of the season?
Decker: It has been difficult with school finals coming up and all the traveling, but this is my last year to compete in these races. I've been lucky to be healthy all season and I want to finish my cross country season on a good note.
MileSplit US: Having done the NXN and Foot Locker double with a respectable showing in both races, does that make you feel more confident and comfortable about coming back a week later after a hard race at NXN and do well in San Diego?
Decker: I did it last year and I have no doubt that I can perform well in San Diego. It's just a matter of being smart and not overworking myself.
MileSplit US: Which of the two national courses at Portland Meadows and Balboa Park do you think best suits your strengths and why?
Decker: Portland is an experience, but with the course conditions it is hard to know what the race will be like. Foot Locker is more like the courses that we run in Iowa. I am hoping for a better performance in San Diego.
MileSplit US: Last year Katie Flood did not compete at Foot Locker due to injury, so how happy are you see her to qualify and return back to San Diego with you this year?
Decker: One of our goals from the beginning of the season was to go to San Diego together. We have both went individually, so I think we are both excited to have each other there this year!
(Photo right by Margot Kelly of https://az.milesplit.com)
MileSplit US: I cannot remember the last time two runners from the same school finished among the top 10 and much less earned All-American honors together at Foot Locker nationals, so how big of a deal would that accomplishment be if realized on Saturday for the two of you, the school, and the state of Iowa as well?
Decker: I think it would mean a lot to Iowa and show how strong Iowa cross country has become. It would be a great honor for my teammate and friend, and me.
MileSplit US: Where are you at in college recruiting process and have you narrowed down your list of schools?
Decker: I will be attending the University of Minnesota next year.
MileSplit US: What are your goals for the race this weekend?
Decker: I would like to finish in the top 15 and finish my high school cross country career on a race I can be proud of.
Photo by Margot Kelly of https://az.milesplit.com
Ashlie Decker and Dowling Catholic High School (IA) teammate Katie Flood have the opportunity this weekend to be one of the greatest duos ever from the same school in meet history at the Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships. Decker and Flood are both past Foot Locker finalists, but will be racing for the first time together at Balboa Park. Decker has ran in the shadows often of teammate and NXN champion Flood often, but is certainly a star runner in her own right with the ability to finish among the top 10 in a talented field assembled for Saturday's national championship race.
