By Alison Carson, PennTrackXC Correspondent
District 10 Villa Maria Academy's
Dynamic Duo Grace Trucilla and Claire Brown
Claire Brown and Grace Trucilla compete at D10 Champs in 2013 - Photo by Phil Grove
It is not uncommon to see PA's top distance runners regularly training with other top runners in the same area. Often, it is difficult for these athletes to find runners who could push them to excellent training in order to improve. Thus, it seems to be a no-brainer to befriend and train with competition.
For Villa Maria Academy's Grace Trucilla and Claire Brown, they find their competition and training partner right within their school halls.
For the past year and a half, junior Trucilla and sophomore Brown have solidified themselves as a duo to be reckoned with. Specializing in the 800m run, they have become two of the state's top track runners. Brown has medaled at each state track meet she has competed in thus far, while Trucilla has medaled in all but two for the past three years. These athletes talk about what it is like to train and compete together as teammates and best friends:
1. What is it like to have a training partner that is both your teammate and competitor?
CLAIRE: It's really fun but there are some challenges that go along with it. Because Grace and I are almost always in the same race and same heat, when I go into races, I have to remember that she is as much a competitor as she is a teammate. I want her to run her absolute best while also wanting to win -- which means having to beat my teammate. When I'm on the starting line I have to try to picture her as "just another person I'm trying to race" while also knowing and enjoying the fact that my teammate and I are able race together. I have to be able to find that fine line between wanting personal success and wanting my teammate's success. I'm always happy for her when she runs well and I can't wait for more races together. We do have a friendly competitiveness in practice as well as races. We'll "race" each other down the last straightaway during a workout and things like that which make me more willing to push myself when I wouldn't normally feel like it.
Claire Brown and Grace Trucilla compete at PIAA Champs in 2013 - Photo by Patty Morgan
GRACE: To have a training partner that is both my teammate and my competitor is interesting. At first, it was very different but as time rolled on, I grew to really appreciate the aspect that I had someone there for me as a training partner and someone to toe the line with. We understand that we can push each other and encourage each other at practice but once the gun goes off, we are racing for our best.
Claire Brown and Grace Trucilla at PIAA Champs in 2013 - Photo by Villa Maria coach Therese Brown
2. Many stellar athletes are not fortunate enough to have a training partner/someone to challenge them on the same team—but you are. Talk about what this means to you.
CLAIRE: Having Grace to train with means the world to me. We are always able to push each other in practices and challenge each other to get to the next level. She always has something uplifting to say to me and I couldn't imagine track without her. I love the fact that I have someone else to get ready with for races too. We'll get each other pumped for our race while we start to warm up and even when we are getting in our "zones" and silently stretch/do strides/stuff like that, I love having someone else there who is getting ready for the same event as me. I am super lucky to have her as a training partner and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
GRACE: Yes, many good athletes are not fortunate enough to have a training partner or someone to challenge them on the same team; however, Claire and I are two lucky girls! This means that we can bring out the best in each other. It allows for better discipline, determination and secret competitions we have between each other. We make bets and set goals for each other and have fun, but can turn totally serious in a heartbeat. To have someone like Claire is amazing, and I am very blessed to have not only such a great friend training with me but also someone right next to me pulling me along for one heck of a workout/race.
3. How has Grace/Claire helped you achieve your success on the track thus far?
CLAIRE: Grace is always super encouraging and helps me run my best. We are able to pull each other along during training and help push each other to places we might not want to go alone. I might help push her during one run while she could help pull me through the next. Even though we run similar times for the 800 we come at it from different angles. Grace has an explosiveness I can't get so she is able to help me get a faster start. I am then able to help her during the second half of intervals and we both work together on better finishes. I don't know where I would be without Grace.
GRACE: Claire has helped me achieve success on the track in many ways. Claire has allowed me to develop determination and a newfound competition within myself. With Claire, I have found myself breaking new barriers, racing in some exciting races, and realizing my true talent. Claire has taught me to just move on from some races I thought I could never move on from and to just look forward. I've learned patience and have seen myself grow as a new runner. After racing with Claire in big races (districts, states, nationals, etc.), we have come up with the "dynamic duo" always toeing the line right next to each other. :-)
4. What are your goals for this upcoming track season? What do you plan on accomplishing together?
Claire Brown, Alison Carson, Bernadette Pritchard and Grace Trucilla
after winning the AA 4x800 in 2013 - Photo by Kathy Leister
CLAIRE: For outdoors, I am looking forward to training in the warmer weather, and hopefully, Grace and I will be able to push each other to successful seasons in our open races as well as members of our 4x800. We would love to have the chance to defend our state title.
GRACE: My goal for this outdoor season is to keep moving forward. I hope to head back to states again with my partner, Claire, and then race the 4x800 with my other best friends. Nationals will be a goal, as well. Outdoor track will be exciting this year with such great competition and talent in PA. I want to strive to make my junior season the best one yet, though it will take dedication, discipline, and the "want." I am ready for some spring track!!!
By Alison Carson, PennTrackXC Correspondent