Emma Brink, senior at Sacred Heart in Louisville has qualified for the Foot Locker National Championship this weekend after finishing 5th at Foot Locker South. She ran a new career best time of 17:25. She took some time to answer a few questions about her race at Foot Locker South and what is going to happen in San Diego.
KY: What were you thinking when you hit the 2 Mile Mark and you were in 4th place?
EB: Honestly I thought I was in fifth at the 2 mile mark, but who is counting when one is running haha? I understood that people remain within somewhat the same positions upon reaching the 2 mile mark, so I was thrilled to know that I was in a great spot to qualify for nationals.
KY: First thoughts after crossing the line in 5th place overall?
EB: Thank you God, Coach Heim, family, and friends!!! I’m going to San Diego!!! WOOOHOOO!!! I was also shocked that I placed so high in the meet since my goal was to be within the top ten individuals, but I was overjoyed with my run. I am not sure if it was the excitement I felt of placing within the top ten, but I truthfully felt great at the end of my race!
KY: What was the toughest part of the race on Saturday?
EB: The toughest part of the race occurred between the 2 mile mark and the 2.5 mile mark because this part of the course weaved through the woods, away from the crowd, and after running a hard first 2 miles and clocking an 11:08 at this point, I looked for every way to conserve energy. Here I let Wesley Frazier pass me because she had the inside position going through the woods with all right hand turns, so I backed off in order to share in this advantage as well. Unfortunately, I allowed another runner to pass me when making this move, but was pleased to regain my 5th place position within the final 500m of the race, going around the lake. It didn’t hurt that the UNC Chapel Hill coach was urging me to GO within the final part of the race.
KY: When do you fly to San Diego? What does your schedule look like in San Diego?
EB: I fly to San Diego next Thursday and return home on Sunday. Looking at the schedule, there seems to be many activities include flying from Atlanta to San Diego with the rest of the South team as a group, rooming with another runner from a different region in the 5 star Hotel Del Coronado, walking the course with past Foot Locker Finalists, attending a banquet the night before the race with special guests, an ice cream sundae event following the races, and a dance that final night. Additionally, I am looking forward to spending time with and getting to know the other top runners in the nation! Thus far, I have met and made friends with the South team, including a future Tar Heel teammate!
KY: Who was the first person you called and told about qualifying? What kind of reaction have people had about you making it to FL Nationals?
EB: The first person I called after the race was Coach Heim. He and everyone else have been so excited and encouraging! I want to especially thank the groups from Kentucky: the group from Assumption (mainly Barry) who allowed me to stretch in their tent, the Jets (including Kaitlin, Ashley, Ann, etc.) who I lined up next to for the start of the race (we had great teamwork of holding each other’s place on the start line while we took turns striding), everyone who cheered for me and the other Kentucky runners during the race (especially the groups from Manual, Assumption, Eastern, Sayre, Collegiate), and Milesplit who covered the race live along with previews, recaps, and pictures. I appreciate the encouragement and hope to represent everyone well in California!
