Each week this pre-season, we will interview one of the top returners from New York state. If you are or know of any athlete who fits this description, and is willing to give an interview, please email ny@milesplit.com
For an extensive background on Mary Cain, please see our previous article here: Local Runners Named to All-USA Team
Give us a little background on how you discovered the sport.
I started running in seventh grade, during the outdoor track season. Before that my only experience with running was in our after school track program. Our boys coach, Ed Stickles, was one of the people who ran it, so he along with some other people encouraged me to try track. Before track I had been a swimmer, so during my eighth grade fall season I did varsity swimming rather than cross-country. After that I got back into track by running that year’s indoor season, and since then I have been doing all three seasons of running.
Last year, you really started to show your prominence in the 800, splitting a 2:03. How do you think that quickness will transfer over to your XC racing?
I feel I still don’t really know where I stand in cross-country, so I don’t really know how my track speed will transfer. I would like to think it will get me up those hills faster (probably just hopeful thinking), but as of now I want to take each race as it comes, and see where that takes me.
Many people look at your age and expect someone who is inexperienced, but you’ve been running varsity since middle school.
Running varsity events as a middle school student definitely has given me some more experiences than others, but I am still learning. I really depend on the experience of my coach, Jim Mitchell. He really works with each person on their form and on their running techniques, and his crazy stories keep each practice memorable and fun. I still find it hard to think of myself as a well-known runner, but it is very nice when people acknowledge me and my accomplishments. It can be very flattering and at the same time humbling.
Nationally, you were very well recognized for your superb 4x800m relay. Are you four still close in your XC season? Do you try to run together in races?
Last year, we were all on the champion state class C cross-country team together. We have been working together and pushing each other in preseason. Hopefully we will continue to do so during the season and we will be able to bring home another title and maybe even go further.
Last year, Aisling Cuffe was a great role model for you, someone to talk to about your races. Now that she has since graduated, who do you look up to?
Although Aisling has graduated, she will continue to be one of my role models. This past year I have met so many talented runners and interesting people, that my list of role models has just sky rocketed. So many runners are just so nice and welcoming that it has made my track experiences so much more fun.
You set an amazing precedent in your freshmen track career, achieving numerous class and overall state records. What are your specific goals for your sophomore XC season?
Last year since cross-country was new to me, I did not run with the most confidence. This year I want to have a more competitive cross country season, but my main goal is just to try and get some PRs and just have fun with the season.
How has your summer training been going? With the season so close, what are you doing to prepare for your first meet? Has there been one workout that you have been given that made you realize you are racing at another level?
I have been away most of the summer, so most of my summer training was done on my own. Since I have back for preseason, my coach Mitchell has gotten us up to Van Courtland to work on the back hills. Overall though I am feeling much more confident for this season, because at least I now know the courses so I shouldn’t be getting lost (or at least hopefully I won’t).
Photos Courtesy of Tim Fulton
