Marissa Sheva is a junior and is a repeat Millrose Mile qualifier, and is coming off a strong 2nd place finish in the New Balance Grand Prix HS mile.
PennTrackXC - Congrats on two big runner-up finishes in the mile this indoor season! What have you taken away from each race (Millrose Trials and the Grand Prix)?
MS - Thank you! The biggest thing that I take away from these races is experience. In both races I made tactical mistakes that that could have cost me running a faster time, but I'm happy that I was able to learn from them.
PennTrackXC - You have solid speed with a 2:15 indoor PR. How do you keep that speed honed in difficult weather conditions like we have faced through January?
MS - Well I haven't been able to workout on an actual track in a long time now, and I'm sure that a lot of other runners haven't either this winter. The workouts haven't changed much other than the fact that they are either on the treadmill or on macadam, so I have just continued with what I've always done.
PennTrackXC - What are your expectations for yourself entering the Millrose Games mile?
MS - Well first I'd like to run fast! I have been looking forward to running a fast mile since XC ended and it would be a really good confidence booster to run an indoor PR. I would also like to improve my time and place from last year.
PennTrackXC - With such a great season so far what goals do you have for the PA state championships?
MS - I definitely want to defend my state mile title, but I'd also like to run a faster time. With the number of PA girls running fast miles this year I'm expecting it to be quick!
PennTrackXC - Describe your favorite winter workout and why you like it?
MS - My favorite workout so far this winter was 12x200 at 36 with cut-down recovery. It started at about 2 minutes, and went down to about 10 seconds. I liked it because it was a different workout and I don't do many with cut-down recovery.
PennTrackXC - Best thing about indoor track?
MS - I love racing at the Armory and Penn State, and it was another cool experience getting to race at the Reggie Lewis Center. Big indoor meets have a pretty cool atmosphere.
PennTrackXC - Worst thing about indoor track?
MS - I hate the "indoor race cough" after running.
PennTrackXC - What is the most exciting thing you have experienced on the track this season?
MS - I was beyond excited to have run the US #2 time (at the time) at the Millrose Games trials in January, when PA girls had US #1-3 times.
PennTrackXC - What is the most exciting off-track experience you have had this season?
MS - The NB Indoor Grand Prix was the coolest experience. Getting to meet Mary Cain, Leo Manzano, Nick Symmonds and a lot of other Olympians was incredible. It was also pretty cool to see the men's 4x8 indoor world record go down at the meet!
