Mary Cain, Bronxville NY, blasted a 4:41.8 1600 anchor to lead Bronxville to a 11:56.5 clocking to finish 2nd to Cornwall, 11:55.9. Read more about Mary below...
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MileSplit.us: Your team ran 11:56 for the DMR in early April, that is a great time. What were your teams splits for the relay? Were you surprised with your anchor leg?
Mary Cain: The unofficial splits I have are, Meredith Rizzo- 3:39.7, Charlotte White- 62.7, and Serena Sarri- 2:32.3, and then me 4:41.8. I definitely was surprised by my time. I came into the race just hoping to come out with a solid time, so that I could see where I stood this season, but I was not expecting to run a 4:41. I knew though if I tried to keep with Aisling then I'd come out with a good time. It was really exciting for me, because she made me run a lot faster then I expected!
MileSplit.us: What goals have you set for yourself for this spring? How does running such a great time so early in the season fit into what you feel you can accomplish?
Mary Cain: I honestly do not have any set goals for this season yet. I like to take every race as it comes, and just gradually improve over the season. My time on Saturday gives me confidence for the rest of the season, but that was just a great race for me. I don't plan to go into races feeling pressured to do that again. I know if I just stay relaxed and try to do the same thing again, I'll be fine.
MileSplit.us: What type of workouts and training do you do to prepare for the mid-distance events?
Mary Cain: Coach Mitchell tends to mix up the workouts during the week depending upon what we will be running that week. My races range from 400s-3000s, so each week can be different. We consistently do sets of 400s and a road run. The rest of the week also varies whether there is a race on a weekday.
MileSplit.us: Do you have a favorite workout that stands out from the rest? What is the best you have done at this workout?
Mary Cain: I love to do 4 800s. I like that one because I get both a speed and distance workout. I haven't gotten to do it though in a while, so I do not remember my best times in this workout.
MileSplit.us: What does the rest of your spring look like as far as competitions?
Mary Cain: The rest of the season should be filled with some fast meets which I look forward to. I'm looking forward to running with some big competition, because it's nice to have someone to chase and it's nice to meet some really great runners. My next big meet though is the New York Relays which will be exciting. From there I'm also looking forward to the Somers meet and Penn.
MileSplit.us: What has been your most memorable race to date in your high school career? Why does this one stand out?
Mary Cain: Yesterday's was really exciting because it was an honor to get to run with Aisling. She went out and paced it perfectly, so it was nice to try and just keep with her. Otherwise, my most memorable race was last year when my relay ran the 4x800 at outdoor nationals. That day we each PRed and were able to overall PR by 14 seconds. It was really exciting to end the season with our best races and tie our school record.
MileSplit.us: What do you like to do with your time when you aren't competing or practicing? Hobbies? Activities with friends?
Mary Cain: Now that I'm in high school, I have a lot more work, which can take up a lot of my time. Otherwise, I like to spend time with my friends and my three sisters.
MileSplit.us: What role models do you have in T&F? Why?
Mary Cain: That's a very hard question because there are so many great runners out there. Some of my strongest competitors have been the most friendly, always staying so composed and gracious, traits that I like to model myself after. Aisling Cuffe and Anima Banks though have been two runners I've always looked up to, not only because of their speed, but because they're always so friendly before and after the races.
MileSplit.us: Who do you look up to outside of T&F? Why?
Mary Cain: Outside track though I've always been a big fan of Michael Phelps. I had been swimming for quite a few years before I began running, so I've always had an admiration towards all that Michael Phelps has done. He is always so focused on besting his own times and not worrying about the rest of the field, which is something I try to model.
MileSplit.us:
What do you see yourself accomplishing by the end of your high school career?
Mary Cain: I don't know what I'll be doing by the end of my high school career. I hope to stay healthy and focused, and continue to enjoy track like I have been.
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