Track Chats – Haley Meier

 

 Track Chats -  Haley Meier

This interview features Haley Meier, senior, Grosse Point South HS, Grosse Point, Michigan.  Haley is the #2 runner (behind twin sister Hannah) on the nationally highly-ranked Grosse Point South girls team.  Most recently she finished 7^th (18:12) in the very competitive Spartan Invitational, East Lansing, MI, 9/14.  Haley’s T&F/XC PR’s are 800 (2:11.55), 1600m (4:45.80), mile (4:46.36), and 5kXC (17:54.10).

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When & how did you get started in cross country, or generally in your running career?

Before cross country, I ran track in fifth grade, thinking I was going to be a sprinter like my mom.  I ran the 100m and got dead last in my race.  I was crushed because I thought I was a terrible runner.  I was about to give up then and there until my parents and coaches encouraged me to try running something longer.  I began to run longer races, unsure about myself, but gave my full effort; and by the end of sixth grade, I ended up winning the 800m against all the middle school girls at the Michigan CYO track championships.  By 7th grade, I was getting stronger, was training more with the boys on our middle school team, and was able to win the 2 mile CYO XC championships.  So, I realized that I’m not really a sprinter but more of a middle distance kind of runner with a mix of endurance and speed.  I figured, with all the success and fun I was having, why stop now?
 

Person/people most influential to your success in cross country, or generally in your running career?

My teammates have been a huge part of my success.  They will make sure to cheer louder than anyone around while I’m running.  My parents encouraged me to keep going, and not to give up during my running career all the way up to this day.  Today, they still give me tremendous support and always tell me to have confidence.  Another person that has influenced me greatly is my high school coach, Mr. Zaranek (we call him Mr. Z).  Mr. Z has opened my life up to running, giving me that extra boost to realize that I can do it.  He tells me every day that I have what it takes, and that I just have to give the effort in practice.  He’s taught me to always run my hardest for my team, because they’ll be doing the same for me.  My grandparents have also been huge supporters throughout my years of running, always letting me vent about my nerves; and they give me quotes from famous runners to motivate and inspire me.  Lastly, is my greatest supporter of all, my identical twin sister, Hannah.  She’s my sister, my friend, my teammate, and running buddy.  I know that we’ll help each other the whole way through, and I know she’ll have my back. She’s experienced the same aspects of running that I have.  She understands the pain and courage it takes to walk up to that starting line, and she always tells me it will be worth it in the end.  We know even though it is tough, we love it.

Your cross country coach(es)?

We have five fabulous coaches for cross country that have guided me with a helping hand all the way up to my senior year.  Our head coach is Mr. Steve Zaranek, who has been coaching for 33 years now.  Our head assistant coach is Mr. Leo Lamberti, who has been coaching a long while with Mr. Z as well.  He always tells us that we could be sitting at home on the couch eating bon-bons instead of running.  Our other assistant coach is Mr. Shawn McNamara, who goes on runs with us.  Our female coach is Miss Tereza Schiable, who was a former South cross country athlete and a wonderful role model.  Lastly is Mr. Z’s 13 year old daughter, Mira.  She is always at the practices running with the girls and helping out.
 

Keys to your successful training program?

Keys to my training are:  moderate, consistent mileage, speed work and teamwork.
 

Why do you enjoy cross country?

I enjoy cross country because I get to spend time with my best friends, and get a great workout in while I’m having fun.  My cross country running is all about the team.  We have 100+ girls on our team and I know that every single one will be there for me, cheering.  Running is not only physically painful, but mentally also.  I’m glad to have teammates and coaches to support me all the way through it.  I run so I can see how far or how hard I can go.  I run to see what challenges to face.  I run to be in the best shape of my life.  I run my hardest so I can feel that sense of achievement and self-satisfaction at the end of my races.  I run because I can, and because I love it.

Your favorite cross-country meet(s)?

My favorite cross country meets are the MHSAA MIS State Finals--I got my fastest time there.  I also like the MSU Spartan Invitational meet because we get to watch college runners race before us!  I also love running at our Wayne County meet.  Our whole team gets to run there; but there is one big hill that we run over twice.  Once you’re done, you feel super proud of yourself that you charged that hill!

Cross country athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?

I love competing with Erin Finn.  Erin, Hannah, and I have gone through a lot of national racing together; and we enjoy each others’ company while running.


Your greatest cross country experience in your career so far?

My greatest cross country experience was winning the State Championship with my team last year.   My coach has been itching for a State Championship for over 30 years now; and I was happy to be a member of the team that earned that trophy. 

Goals for the 2012 cross country season?

 My goal for my last cross country season is for our team to win the State Championship again this year.  Also, I am determined to run my fastest 5k time ever.
 

Long-term goals in cross country, or generally in your running career?

I like running trails in XC; so I would like to continue to improve my 5K times which will also help me to get stronger for track season.  My sister and I have a lofty dream to make it to the Olympics in the future