As part of the Hoka One Future Stars program, MileSplit is highlighting some of the top underclass cross country runners throughout the country. Our next profile will feature Kayla Connelly of Lansdale Catholic. Connelly is the two time AA District 12 champion and holds two top ten state meet finishes in her first two tries. Her biggest win this season came at the Paul Short Run, where she took home the White race title. Connelly talks to PennTrack about her early success!
1. Tell us how you got started with competitive running.
I guess I didn't have a choice in the matter, I was born into a family of runners. My dad and both of my uncles were competitive runners in high school and college. Last spring, I was at states when my uncle's 3200 state meet record was broken, which was kind cool to see, we were on the phone describing the race to him, as it was being run.
I started running CYO track in 4th grade, I just kind of got thrown into it. I actually didn't like running then so I didn't run in 5th or 6th grade. In 7th grade, I decided to run track because all of my friends were, but my middle school didn't have any type of championship, so I also ran CYO track. I did pretty well, so I just continued from there, to where I am now.
2. What were some of your expectations heading into your first season?
My expectations for my freshman year in XC were to place in the top ten in every invitational I competed in throughout the season. I was able to do that, including an 8th place finish at states. I was nervous in the beginning of the season about running against girls that were older than me, but I got over that.
3. Talk about the one race that gave you the belief that you could be really good at running.
In 7th Grade, we had our Archdiocese Championships at Franklin Field, it was such an exciting place to race. It was my first big win in the 1600 meters, my time was 5:22. At that point I began to think that I could be pretty good at running.
4. Which season do you enjoy the most (cross country, indoor, outdoor) and why
I'm not sure I have a clear cut favorite season, I like different aspects of each season. The XC environment at meets, especially at invitationals and states is really fun. I enjoy outdoor track, because our school is AAA for spring track and I get to race against some of the girls from the larger schools.
5. Which cross country course is your favorite and why?
I really liked running Paul Short this year because it was the first time I had a chance to run a fast time on a fast course. Last year, I basically only ran at Belmont or the state course. So Lehigh was a nice change of pace even though I like running hills.
6. Which track event is your favorite and why?
Up until last year, I would have said the 1600 was my favorite event because it was the longest race that I had run on the track, up until that point. In the winter, I ran the 3000 and the 3200 in the spring, for the first time. As I gain more experience running those races, I may have a new favorite.
7. How did your coaches help you with each step in your progression? How did they keep the sport fun? How did they take the pressure off?
I'm fortunate that my dad has been my coach since I've started running. He is pretty good at knowing when to be coach and when to just be dad. His favorite phrase for me is "You're not as good as you think you are and you're not as bad as you feel you are!" So that basically means that I train hard after a good race and I train hard after a bad race. In addition to my dad, Coach Spiers and Coach Probert are very knowledgable in designing training and they're always making sure that I'm having fun and enjoying myself.
8. What is your interaction like with your teammates since your early success?
My teammates have been very supportive. Our goal as a team is for everyone to improve, whether it's someone who's trying to break 19 minutes or someone who's trying to break 23 minutes. We celebrate each other's successes.
9. How do you handle the expectations that get placed on you each season?
My expectations are primarily based on my training. So they are generally very realistic and attainable, if I work hard and be consistent with my training.
10. What were your goals for 2014-15? How successful were you in reaching them?
My goals for this XC season were to try to win the invitationals that I raced in. I was able to win two out of the three (Bulldog and Paul Short) and that was really exciting. My other goal was to try to win states, though I wasn't able to accomplish that goal this year. I was disappointed but I did improve my time and move up a couple places from last year, along with some experience. So I'll be looking forward to next year's XC season.
