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 Aislinn Devlin of Downingtown West. After a sensational first season, Devlin made a strong return at the Carlisle Invitational with a top ten finish for her first meet of the season. She became the new champion of the Ches-Mont League, 5th at District 1, and finished in the top 10 at states in the AAA race! Devlin talks to PennTrack about her 2nd high school cross country season!
Tell us how you got started with competitive running.
My first season of competitive running was my 7th grade track season. I didn’t do cross country because I was still playing soccer, but I’d have to say I’ve always been competitive when it came to running.
What were some of your goals heading into this season?
Freshman year cross country I had some general expectations but nothing too specific. The main goal was always to qualify for the state meet.
Talk about the one race that gave you the belief that you could be really good this season.
One race that gave me the belief I could be really good was the Carlisle Invitational last year. It was my first big high school invitational. Finishing in the top 3 and breaking 18 minutes was more than I expected and that gave me a lot of confidence. Also, our team won and that was awesome!
Which Season do you enjoy the most and why?
Cross country is my favorite season because I like the longer distance and the colder weather. Also, I feel a lot closer with my team during the XC season because there’s more of an emphasis on team than there is during track, and that’s a great feeling.
Which course has been your favorite to run? Least favorite?
My favorite course, so far, would probably be the state course because I really like hills. But I’d say it’s not so much the course but the event, everyone’s there for one reason, to go out and run the best they have all season and that’s really cool.
Which is your favorite track event and why?
My favorite track event had always been the mile, but after running my first two mile on the track last outdoor season, it’s a really close call. But, I would have to say the mile is still my favorite.
How have you gotten along with your older teammates as you have moved up the ranks of the team?
My teammates are my best friends and they’ve been nothing but supportive. Especially three of the seniors that graduated last year, they were the best.
How do you handle the expectations that get placed on you each season?
Expectations are always nerve wracking, but nerves are a good thing. I expect a lot of myself, so I just try to focus on my self-expectations more so than those of others and that makes it a little easier.
What were your goals for 2014-15? How successful were you in reaching them?
My goals going into the season were to win the invitationals in the beginning of the season, and to be running faster times than last year, but mostly to feel good about my performances in the championship season. I didn’t run a PR this season, but I was happy with my race at states.
