Kelsey Potts of Mount Lebanon did not finish outside of the top ten in any race this season, despite spending most of the season dueling it out with the likes of Brianna Schwartz and Madeleine Davison all season long. With those two receiving all the plaudits in Western PA, Potts was looking to close the gap. At Foot Locker Northeast, Potts broke through with her biggest race of the season and a ticket to San Diego! Potts talked with our Phil Grove about the accomplishment!
1. It was four weeks from the PIAA
championship race in Hershey until the Foot Locker Northeast Regional and then
another two weeks before the National Final in San Diego. What have you done to
maintain your conditioning and race sharpness that you showcased back
on November 1?
I
took a couple days off right after the state meet. After that, I ran some
longer runs in order to keep my mileage up. Along with these longer runs, I ran
mile repeats and 800 repeats. In order to get used to the cold air, I ran
outside most of the days. I also did weight training 2 to 3 times a week at
UPMC Southside with Ron DeAngelo. I also did a 400 workout
the Monday before the race in order to get some speed in my legs.
From there, I just tapered till the race.
2. With a top 10 finish getting you to San
Diego, were you counting heads throughout the race at Van Cortlandt Park as you
prepared for the long finishing straight where so many things can happen?
I
wasn't in the top 10 for most of the race. I reached 10th place probably close
to 2 miles into the race. I knew I couldn't fall back from there. I just tried
to gain as many places as I could and maintain my speed.
3. How do you prepare – on race day and before
– for a course that you have never seen before in person or raced, especially
facing such a talented field and with so much to gain from a high finish?
I
like to walk or run the course the day before in order to get a feel of the
course. On race day, I really just do what I feel is right. I know what place I
should be around in a race based on the other girls I've been competing with in
my state. I really just enjoy being with my team before a race. I feed off of
their excitement.
4. How important was it for you – as a junior
– to qualify for the Foot Locker National Final?
At
first, I went solely for the experience. As I began the race, I felt more
excited and that I could qualify. My dad was showing me times from past races,
and comparing my times with theirs, I thought I might actually qualify. I am
really excited to run for the Foot Locker National Finals and just give it my
all.
5. This is the first season that you have
included races beyond the state championships. Have you talked to any of the
standout runners who preceded you at Mt. Lebanon about what it takes to run
well against the nation’s best?
I know a couple runners who have gone from Mt. Lebanon,
however, I have never talked to them about their experiences.
