Huddle set a new American Junior record in the 5000 meters this season |
1. You recently just set a new American Junior record, 15:36.95, with your dazzling 5k performance at Mt. SAC. Being your first 5k on the track, what were your plans for the race, how did you react during, and what were your post-race feelings?
I wasn't sure what kind of shape I was in, but I was feeling really fresh that race and I knew I could run a good time with a field as fast it was. I was still shocked at breaking 15:40. I was thinking something in the 15:50's would be a great time based on road 5k's I've done.
2. You also just won the 5k at the Big East Championships. You looked to run a comfortable 15:58.51 as you broke a tough Mary Cullen of Providence. How do you feel heading into the Regional and National meets?
I feel confident that I can place in the top 5, although at this point my training is having a small hang-up. I don't expect to pr or anything at Regionals, but if I'm having a good day I hope to win and get a fast yet smart race in.
3. After the NCAA Championships, what are your plans for the summer in terms of track?
I'm planning on running either the 3k at the USATF Juniors or possibly the 5k in the women's race. It depends on how much summer school Ill have to miss and how NCAA's turns out.
4. This past March you placed 9th in the 3k at Indoor Nationals garnering All-American status, and leaving disappointed. How did the race unfold and did this leave you hungry for the outdoor season?
I just overestimated my fitness and how I was feeling that day. I also threw all tactical running knowledge out the window and ran stupid. I've never really messed up that much in such an important race, so it really stuck with me. I'm working on running smarter and staying out of lane 3.
5. With almost a year under your belts, what has the collegiate experience been like so far and what has it been like running at Notre Dame?
The most intimidating part of the whole college experience was the academic stress. I always feel like I'm barely scraping by! My athletic career has gone pretty smoothly here, on the other hand. Coach Connelly understands that sometimes a workout has to give if school gets really demanding at some point in the year, so that prevented me from getting freaked out about not being able to dedicate enough time to both school and running. Running-wise, I've had some learning experiences, some success and mostly fun on the team.
6. What is a typical week of training at Notre Dame and what is your favorite workout?
We usually do two track workouts and a long run a week, with one day off for cross training, plus two days of lifting. I love quarters and mile reps, (although we don't do those often), and the long run is growing on me.
7. Granted you are a freshman and you did not have any previous experience with the old system of qualifying, but how do you feel about the Regional system? Does the extended season and extra race take a toll on the legs?
Although I'm a fan of racing often, I can totally see how some people think it's just an unnecessary meet. There are a few major imbalances in the regions, as well. I know in our region, the men's and women's 1500 field is stronger than in any other. A #7 seed in the eastern region is like 28th or something in the Midwest region. I think it's going to cause slower runners from other regions to bump people who are faster, which doesn't make much sense.
8. With all this traveling and time away from school, what do you do to keep yourself occupied?
I did do homework like a big nerd during the year, but since school's over I read magazines and watch movies and bad daytime TV with the teammates at the hotels when we travel.
9. I know it is a long way away, but how do you think the team can do next year in XC? Top 3 again or maybe even a National title with the newcomers?
I'm pretty excited about next season. I'm realizing cross is almost my favorite season, and although we are losing [senior Jen] Handley, I think [freshman Stephanie] Madia and [freshman Loryn King] Lk2 can step it up. Also, a girl from Canada is coming in next year, and Canadians haven't failed us so far. Some people who were out this past season are getting healthy too, and can surprise everyone, I think. I'm definitely training with top 3 or higher in sight next year, although it depends on how much other teams are improving as well.
10. With 2004 being an Olympic year and only 8 seconds off the "A" trials standard, how does that affect your training after this season's over for the following season?
I don't know if that'll even factor into my training. It would be a surreal experience if it did, but I'm just taking it one season at a time and if I'm on the right path around Olympic trial time, then that's awesome. Right now, I think I'm way too inexperienced, though.