2013-14 was a rollercoaster season for Sheva, from missing the medal stand in cross country to missing the indoor state meet to finishing the 2013-14 year on top! Thanks to a shift up to the 3200 meter run, Sheva ended her junior year on a high note with the AAA 3200 meter championship! 2014 will be Sheva’s attempt to make up for the struggles of last year. Cross country gold is the only thing missing from the resume. Will this be her year? Sheva fills us in on her senior season plan!
School: Pennridge High School
PRs: 17:41 5k, 10:25 3200m, 4:49 1600m
PennTrackXC - How is your summer training going? What kind of runs are you doing and what kind of mileage are you hitting?
My summer training is going really well and it’s making me so excited to start racing. I’ll hit around 500 miles for the summer, averaging about 55 miles per week.
PennTrackXC - For what 2014 meets are you most excited?
I am very excited to race at PTXC for the second year in a row, as well as Paul Short, and possibly Manhattan.
PennTrackXC - What are your goals for the 2014 cross country season?
Being competitive and healthy when championship season comes around is important to me. I hope to shatter some of my old PRs which are from my sophomore year due to not being healthy last year. Finally, I can’t wait to race at regionals this year and hopefully make a trip to nationals.
PennTrackXC - What is the most valuable lesson you learned last season and how can it be used to improve your 2014 season?
I learned that worrying about other girls and their performances is a waste of time and energy. Putting more focus on my own training and races helped my confidence and made me enjoy the process more.
PennTrackXC - What are your keys to success when it comes to your training program?
I truly believe that “training smarter not harder” is the key to my success. Not overtraining and not over-racing helps me perform in the bigger races at the end of the season.
PennTrackXC - What is your most memorable cross country performance thus far in your career?
The first race that comes to mind is the District I meet in 2012. I came in second to future state champ Courtney Smith, but it was one of the best races I have ever been a part of. We pushed each other to PRs and ended up becoming really good friends.
PennTrackXC - What is your greatest non-running experience in cross country so far and why?
My sister Caitlyn and I became super close in high school because of running. My first two cross country seasons were probably my greatest experiences just because of all the time spent with her in hotel rooms at meets, on bus rides, and on the start line.
PennTrackXC - When and how did you get started in cross country?
I started my freshman year. I wanted to try it out because I had only ever raced on a track before, but I’ll admit that I also wanted to be like Cait and train with her.
PennTrackXC - Who has influenced you the most in your life and what have they meant to you and your success thus far in your career?
My father is easily the most influential person in my life. He encouraged me and pushed me from a young age to be the best I could be in everything I did. He is my biggest fan!
What is your...
Favorite social media hangout? Instagram
Pre-race ritual/superstition? Handshake with my dad before I go to the line (super cheesy, I know)
Favorite cheat food? Anything chocolate
Favorite pro athlete? Forever crushing on Nick Symmonds
Must-have running accessory? Nike GPS watch
Long run jam? No specific song, just Pandora
Favorite workout? Tempo runs
