Aislinn Devlin of Downingtown West finished 6th and snagged the 4th individual quaiifying spot to earn a trip to the NXN Finals on Saturday in Portland, Oregon! The Ches-Mont league champion and two time state cross country medalist has finished in the top ten in all five of her races this season, and will be running in her first national championship race! She reflected on her special day with PennTrack before she boards a plane to the west coast!
How was your training following the state meet?
My training went really well following the state meet. I took a few days really easy following the meet and was able to put in a solid three weeks of consistent training before regionals.
What were your thoughts on the course? Did it seem easy or tough your first time running it?
I really liked the course. The weekend after the state meet I did make a trip up to NY to run the course so I would really know how I needed to prepare. So, while it didn’t seem easy and it was my first time actually racing on the course, I felt I knew what to expect.
What was the strategy heading into the race on Saturday? What did you have to do in order to be successful?
The strategy was to get out well at the start and put myself in a good position before the course narrowed but not go out too hard. From there, I just wanted to move into the top 10 or front group by the first mile, then, just race. With the course conditions I wasn’t thinking at about times, just places.
Was this the best race you have run all season? Why did it go so well?
Yes, this was definitely my best race of the season. I think it went well because I prepared for it more specifically than any of the other races. I did several workouts between the state meet and regionals that tried to mimic the course profile, terrain and the pace/effort I needed to target to be competitive.
What does it mean to qualify and make your 1st appearance at the NXN Finals?
It means a lot because I had thought about racing at NXN since the end of last year’s XC season with both teams from PA going there to compete. I decided back in June that regionals and the state meet would be my main goals. I knew it was a long shot to make it to nationals so I wasn’t going to be disappointed if I didn’t but when it came down to it on race day I just kind of decided, hey, I really want this, I’m going to do it.
How much did the training and the meet schedule you had prepare you for success this season?
My racing season actually got off to a late start as I missed the first few meets dealing with a minor injury so, in hindsight, that probably helped me be stronger this late in the season. Also, our home xc course is actually somewhat similar to the NXN NE course. After the first 1k you are essentially climbing for the next 2k, followed by a long downhill and then an uphill finish. We also did a lot of hill training over the summer so I really did feel strongest when the courses were tougher this year.
What are you most looking forward to about the trip to Portland?
I’m just really excited to meet and get to know some of the other runners and just experience all of it. I’ve heard so many amazing things about it and I can’t wait!
With this being your first time going to the meet, what have you heard about it from those who have competed in the past?
I have heard nothing but good things about it. Everyone just says how awesome of an experience it is and how much fun it is, so I’m really excited.
What is your goal for the NXN Finals?
I want to enjoy the experience and have fun, but I also want to do well. It would be nice to have the last race of the season be my best race of the season.
