As we head off into the blue skies and sunny weather of spring track (if only), we still have some catching up to do. There were so many quality athletes in New York State, that we didn't get a chance to speak with all of them. So were bringing you a new feature called "Catching Up," where we get to talk to some of the athletes that have been showing success in the parts of the state we may not always get to. This week for the girls, we're doing something a little different. Megan Young of Nanuet has not been a talent that hasn't seen her fair share of exposure. However, what some may not know about the senior, is that she started her running career while this season's freshmen were still in 3rd grade. We talked to Megan about the journey to this years XC state meet, as well as her Indoor and Outdoor seasons, which included a trip to the Millrose Mile this year. Check it out below!
Let's start this off with an impressive figure to say the least. As of last week, you began practicing for your 18th straight season of Varsity running at Nanuet High School. How often do you reflect on that figure, which very well may stand as the longest current, consecutive varsity runner in the entire state?
Well actually, I played modified lacrosse my 7th grade spring, so I only have 17 varsity running seasons. I noticed that this past year I’ve been thinking about that number a lot and I can’t believe how fast all of those seasons went.
Flashback almost seven years ago, when you stepped into your first cross country practice in 2007. What made you go out for the team? Why run?
I was never planning on running cross country in middle school. At that point, Irish dancing was my main priority, but I wanted to play soccer. The summer before going into 7th grade, I went to the Nanuet Summer Track Program and after running a few of the meets Coach Dempsey asked me and my mom if I would want to run JV that year. I thought that being on a high school team was the coolest thing so I was super excited.
What was it like running varsity that year as a seventh grader? You were competing quite well, capped off with your first visit to the state meet, as the highest placing non-team finisher in the sectional qualifier!
When I first started running, I was extremely intimidated by everyone on the team, and to be honest, I didn’t run well at all. Coach Dempsey and I always joke about how she almost moved me back down to modified. As the season went on though, I was able to just go out there and race and I continued to improve with more training.
You've had a long standing relationship with the State Meet in cross country, making the event five times of six attempts (only finishing one qualifying spot out in 2010). What was it like to go for the first time as a seventh grader?
I actually did qualify for the state meet in 2010, but I decided not to run with tendinitis in my ankle and I gave up my spot to the next person. My first state meet was definitely a learning experience. I was happy to be there, but terrified at the same time. I wasn’t used to races that big or with so many girls around the same speed. I got so caught up in everything that I forgot to race, but that first state meet prepared me for the next 5 years.
Coming back as an eighth grader, how was the running scene different in XC? You had a big jump in performances, improving from 63rd at the State meet, now to 14th in Class B.
As an eighth grader, I was definitely more competitive and determined. I was in much better shape after summer training, and I put in a lot more work throughout the season. After getting 14th at the state meet, I realized that running was going to be my main focus (instead of dancing) and I wanted to take it to the next level.
You are now entering 9th grade, finally a full blown high schooler. Times were dropping like crazy, and you were moving up in the rankings. What were your expectations going into the state meet that year?
I remember seeing that I was ranked 3rd going into the state meet, and I was in complete shock. I had no idea that I would be so high up and after seeing that I just made it my goal to come in top 5. I never expected to win!
How much do you still remember from that State race in Plattsburgh, where, as only a ninth grader, you took the state title?
I remember so much about that race in Plattsburgh that I can take you through the course right now. I think about the last half mile of the race the most. I still remember where my coach was when she told me that if I started to pick it up, I could win the race. I won it by half a second, but I still couldn’t believe that I had done it. I remember everything about that day so well because it was so important to me.
What was going through your mind that day, and how did it change after the race?
I remember being extremely calm that day. I was confident in my training, and of course I was happy to be racing in the rain (it’s my favorite). My mindset was to just go out there and race the best I could. After that race, I realized that I was able to run with the best girls in the state.
As a 10th grader, and an 11th grader, you still had that same kind of speed, making the state meet once again as an eleventh grader. However, as you mentioned this year at the State Meet, there were some struggles with growth spurts, and other issues. What goes through your head at that point, and how did you overcome those issues to keep running at a state-competitive level.
When I was struggling with the growth, there was a lot more pressure because of how well I did as a freshman. I grew so much and so quickly that my muscles just couldn’t keep up with the bone growth. I continued to run, but during those times it was so hard to enjoy it. My confidence took a beating, as well as my pride. All I wanted to do was get back to where I was as a freshman, and I had to fight to do that. My confidence came back slowly as I began to feel more like myself, and I stopped focusing on everyone else during my races.
Remembering this year may be a little easier. At Elma Meadows, in your final New York State Meet, you reclaimed your state title. After such a long journey to get there, how did that feel?
The state title as a senior was the GREATEST feeling. It meant so much more to me than it did as a freshman. I went through so much stress, sweat, tears, and pain to get back to that place, and after winning it again I finally knew that I was back to where I needed to be.
Looking back, this year was the first time you attended the cross country state meet as a team competitor. How much extra meaning did that give to your performance?
For my first 5 state meets, I always had someone else on the team there with me, but it was never the same as having the entire team. All I wanted for 6 years was for my team to win the section title and to go to the state meet with me. I enjoyed the state meet so much more when they were with me this year, and they definitely kept me more relaxed. The only thing better than winning the state title, was hearing that we had placed third as a team.
Your career is not limited to the dirt trails of the Empire State. You've also been running Indoor and Outdoor track since seventh grade as well. How did you adjust to that transition as a rookie, where there were now shorter events to tackle?
Racing in track is completely different than in cross country, but I think I adjusted pretty quickly. I learned that you need the same amount of stamina, but a lot more speed than in cross country. At first I wasn’t used to the change of speed in workouts, but now I’ve learned how to race all types of distances. I’ve also learned that the shorter the distance I race, the uglier my form gets! You should see my 200m- not pretty.
You've made the state meet numerous times on the track as well, ranging in events from the 800m all the way up to the 3000m. Does one year's race stick out in particular?
What sticks out the most is Spring States 2011, but it isn’t just one race. The cross country and winter season before that didn’t go so well, and I didn’t expect much from the spring either. I focused on the 800m all season, and I ended up winning it at states for the small schools. The next day I ran in the 4x800m and we ended up breaking our school record and getting 3rd. It was such an exciting meet not only for me but my team as well.
Looking back, which athlete, either on your team or as a competitor, has had the biggest influence on your running career?
Shelby Greany has definitely had the most influence on my running career. Our high school coaches are married, so the Nanuet and Suffern girls’ teams are pretty close. I’ve always looked up to her and I was lucky enough to have been able to ask her for advice and run with her a few times over the past couple of years.
And what about the relationship you've built with your coaches over that past half-decade? What has it been like having the stretch of time you had to develop under their philosophies?
I’ve had a few coaches over these 6 years, Coach Dempsey being my main one, but I’ve built great relationships with all of them. Coach Dempsey has always been there for me, good or bad. She pumps me up and gives me confidence, but also puts me in my place, when needed. My senior XC season would not have been nearly as successful without Coach Dempsey motivating me along the way. All of my coaches always push me because they know what I’m capable of and they've worked with me through the hard times.
Does one race stick out to you after all this time? Is there one that you can still look back on as your favorite moment in competitive running?
I talked about it before, but this year’s cross country state meet is definitely my favorite moment in competitive running. No one really expected me to win, and I surprised everyone, including myself. After a long 2 years, I was actually enjoying cross country and running comfortably like my old self. It is the greatest feeling to end on such a high note!
Now, you've already made the biggest step to continuing your running career: You've signed with Boston College. What sealed the deal for you, in regards to your selection?
Well, I committed to BC the day after I got back from the visit, so it was love at first sight. I felt so comfortable while hanging out the girls on the team, and while talking to Coach Thomas. Also, the combination of academics and athletics at BC is amazing. I could really see myself being happy there for the next 4 years.
You have one more season in New York State. What are some of your goals you have set for yourself, as someone who has achieved a lot already?
It is so scary to say or hear that I only have one season left…especially since the end of winter was so disappointing, due to coming down with mono. I just want to go after some of my personal bests this season. It doesn’t look like I’m going to be ready to run at Penn, but I’m focusing on more long term meets like states and nationals.
Favorite song to run too
I don’t listen to music while I run, but before every race I love listening to “Feel so close” by Calvin Harris.
Favorite thing to do with the team when you're not running
Get froyo!
Favorite snack
Goldfish and ice cream
Favorite place to run
Sparkill Trail
On my days off, I like to...
Sleep or hang out with my friends!
If I could meet one athlete, professional runner or otherwise, it would be
I’ve met a lot of professional runners at all of the national meets over the years, but one person that I would love to meet is Shalane Flanagan!
Best advice you can give the freshmen on your team.
If you ever face any challenges with running, don’t quit because things will get better if you just keep fighting.
Teammate shout out goes to....
Brooke Madry. Thank you for joining cross country when you did. Without you, we wouldn’t have had such an amazing season.
File Photos courtesy of Tim Fulton