MileSplit.us recently had a chat with Kendall Baisden MI, and the Motor City Track Club head coach Brandon Jiles. Kendall shares a little of her background in track and field and reveals a wisdom beyond her years. Brandon discusses Motor City and a little more detail on what makes Kendall successful.
MileSplit.us: You are only a freshman, how does it feel to be running so fast as such a young athlete?
Kendall Baisden: I feel fortunate and blessed to be able to continue running fast at this age. Some people have told me that as you get older sometimes you get slower. I would be very disappointed if that was happening.
MileSplit.us: How long have you been competing in track? Where did you first get your start?
Kendall Baisden: I’ve been running track since the 4th grade with the St. Regis Middle School track team. So about 5 years. My times in the 4th grade were competitive with the 8th graders during that time.
MileSplit.us: What events are your favorites right now? You were very impressive over 400 meters last weekend (53.99). Is that an event you see yourself focusing on more in the future?
Kendall Baisden: I enjoy running all my events (400, 200, 100) and I do see myself being able to go far with each of them. But I also like doing relays because it is like playing doubles in tennis : more relaxed, fun but very strategic in play. This indoor season I ran the 4x8 for the first time ever and it was very interesting. All I can say is been there done that.
MileSplit.us: You are US#4 in the 200 and 60m, and US#1 in the 400. Are you surprised with the success this year?
Kendall Baisden: I’m very excited and happy with my success in each event, but mostly the 60 because I had not run it last indoor season.
MileSplit.us: Are you running at a national meet indoors this year?
Kendall Baisden: I am running at the NSIC in New York and what I am running is undecided right now.
MileSplit.us: What goals have you set for nationals?
Kendall Baisden: To run faster than last year, and run my personal best.
MileSplit.us: You have some very dedicated coaches. What advice have they given you for competing at such a high level? How do you handle the pressure of big meets?
Kendall Baisden: My coaches have always reminded me that as long as I do my best and have fun I should be happy with how I perform. At big meets, I keep in mind that my victory or success is not based on what place I get, but if I execute and run the race correctly.
MileSplit.us: What do you enjoy doing when you aren't training or competing?
Kendall Baisden: Occasionally travel out of town, spend time with my family and friends from school and tennis, and go to amusement parks like Cedar Point, play tennis leisurely with my lifelong tennis friends, and go shopping.
Brandon Jiles
Head Coach, Motor City Track Club
MileSplit.us: Could you give a little history of the Motor City Track Club?
Brandon Jiles: The club has been around since 1965. It is one of the oldest track clubs in America. One of its founders, Michigan Hall-of-Famer Robert Lynch, is still involved with the club. He creates a lot of the workouts and I administer them. The goal of the club has always been to get the kids off to college, but not just for athletics.
MileSplit.us: Where did Kendall get her start in track and field?
Brandon Jiles: Kendall was with the Swift Track Club in 6th grade and ran a 57.6 400 at the AAU meet in 2007. She has always had the talent to become a great runner.
MileSplit.us: What are the plans for NSIC this coming weekend?
Brandon Jiles: Kendall is in very good shape this year. Her main goal is to win the 200 and the 400, but there are some time goals as well. If everything goes right Kendall is capable of the freshman national record for 200 meters.
MileSplit.us: Have you given any thought to goals for the outdoor season?
Brandon Jiles: Kendall will run for her HS team but will also play tennis. For the summer we will be focused on Junior Nationals and World Juniors.
MileSplit.us: What are some of the keys to Kendall's success?
Brandon Jiles: She has God-given ability and she is very focused. Kendall is 5-11 and all legs. She is untapped technically, so I see a big future for her. If she stays healthy she is capable of succeeding at the World-Class level. Kendall is very humble, coachable, but will rise to the occasion for championship meets.