Alexis (far left) at the 2012 NBIN. (Photo by Don Rich)
Welcome to Track Chats 2012! We continue with middle-distance standout Alexis Panisse from Benjamin Cardozo HS in New York. Alexis was the first Foot Locker finalist from NY City and continued her success indoors where she ran 4:48 for the mile and 16:58 for 5000m. Last weekend at the NYC Mayor's Cup she took it to another level with a 2:07.89 for 800m and threw in a 6:59 2K Steeple for good measure! Learn more about Alexis below!
MileSplit - 2:07.89 is a big breakthrough. What are you thinking about after putting such a great time out there?
Alexis - After running 2:07.89, I felt great. I had a lot of support and a lot of help with my amazing coach, Coach Ray James. I worked so hard and I was so determined to run a great time.
MileSplit - Your steeple shows that you also have a great strength base from the XC season. What races do you think you will focus on during the outdoor season?
Alexis - Races I think I will focus more on would be the mile, 3000, and 2 mile race, but I also want to run a 5K.
MileSplit - When & how did you get started in track & field?
Alexis - I started freshmen year , but I got injured. I ran only half the season of indoor and didn't run outdoor season. I started fresh again when I was a sophomre and that's when I started training with Coach Ray. I had never run track before and I wasn't going to really try out until my gym teacher told me to join, so I gave it a shot.
MileSplit - Person/people most influential to your success in track & field?
Alexis - Coach Ray was the person who has made me become successful in track and field. He the type of person who is hardworking and determined to make his runners successful. He dedicates his life to his athletes and takes time out his day to train us. He has taught me a lot about track. Moreover, all the track athletes that I have met and all of PSAL has given me a lot of motivation, along with my team, which I love so much.
MileSplit - Your favorite track & field event(s)?
Alexis - My favorite event would be anything from the 800 and up . I say this because I love running speed and distance. I love track and field and cross counrty.
MileSplit - Your track & field event coach(es) and what they mean to you?
Alexis - My coach, coach Ray means a lot to me because he is a great coach. He takes time out for us and will always be there for his athletes
MileSplit - Keys to your successful track & field training program?
Alexis - The key to my training program would be Hills.
MileSplit - Your favorite track & field meet?
Alexis - My favorite track and field meet would be Nationals because I get to compete with the top girls. I love running with runners that have faster times than me, so that they can push me to a good time.
MileSplit - Your favorite performance in track & field?
Alexis - I would say I had a lot of favorite performances this whole year.
MileSplit - Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?
Alexis - I love competing against the top girls in the nation because I love having girls who have faster time than me to push me to my limit.
MileSplit - Your greatest experience in track & field so far?
Alexis - The first time I joined track until the end of my senior year is my greatest experience. I say this because track and cross country has been the greatest exprience of my life so far.
MileSplit - Goals for the 2012 track & field season?
Alexis - My goals for 2012 would be to PR in all my events.
MileSplit - Long-term goals in track & field?
Alexis - My long-term goal would be work harder in college and make it to nationals and rank in the country.
The Fun Run
Do you like rock or pop…
Alexis - I love rock music
Do you like shorts or jeans…
Alexis - I like to wear sweats rather than wearing shorts and jeans
Do you like Words with Friends or Angry Birds…
Alexis - I am not into playing those types of games
Do you like Facebook or Instagram...
Alexis - I like facebook.
Do you like going out or chilling at home...
Alexis - I love chilling at home
Do you like sun or snow...
Alexis - I like the sun and snow