It is hard to beat the freshman year of Greencastle-Antrim's Taryn Parks; impressive times, unbelievable kicks, and state titles. We, of course, touched on her incredible ninth grade performances is our in District 3, and she's sure to make an impact at the state and regional level once again. In cross country last year, not only was she the AA individual state champion, Parks placed seventh at Foot Locker Northeast setting a personal best time of 18:05.40.
The young runner proved she not only had the endurance to excel at cross country, but the leg speed to win races on the track. Parks had a season filled with personal bests and chart-topping times. To finish her freshman year, she beat a talented 1,600 meter field at the state meet by running a 4:45.81.
What is next for this rising distance running star? Taryn Parks, took the time to answer some questions for PennTrackXC about her outlook for her sophomore cross country season.
PennTrackXC: What do you focus on during the summer training months?
Taryn Parks: In the summer months I try to just keep up my endurance because I know that sometimes I may not be able to run or that it's very hot out. For the most part I just try to focus on running consistently and run off of how I feel and not worry too much about the mileage or pace.
PTXC: Who do you run with or train with over the summer?
TP: Normally when I train, it's by myself and I find it tough to find motivation to get out and run on my own. Although I did have the opportunity to go to camp and room with Northern's Marlee Starliper and run with her. I also got to run with other district 3 girls. I would also travel to Chambersburg and run with Abby Yourkavitch.
PTXC: You had a breakout freshman track season, winning the AAA 1,600 meter state title and running impressive times in the 800 meters and 3200 meters. How does this affect your outlook going into this upcoming cross country season?
TP: My success in track does give me confidence going into cross country knowing that in a close race I may have the speed to finish fast.
PTXC: As a freshman, you were the AA individual XC state champion. How do you feel about the pressure to repeat this performance?
TP: I feel pressured to return to states and perform well because last year's state title was unexpected for me because I was only a freshman and still learning the ropes. This year I feel more focused to return to states, but also I also want to have fun.
PTXC: What courses or meets other than districts/states are you looking forward to this fall?
TP: I am looking forward to the Carlisle course because it seems to always bring fast times so early in the season. I'm also looking forward to the Foot Locker Northeast Regional race at Van Cortlandt Park in New York. I ran my PR there last year and qualified myself for nationals. Another course that is very challenging, but I hope I can return to this year is the FLCC course at Balboa Park in San Diego, California.
PTXC: What are some goals you have for yourself this cross country season?
TP: This cross country season I want to focus on breaking 18 minutes and qualify for the FLCC nationals meet.
