Sophie Santucci, Tupelo Christian Track 2020

1. What has your training been like since track season ended prematurely this season?

It's been a bit more relaxed. I've been trying to fit in more interval training that will help improve my 1600 and 800 times, such as 300s, 400s, 800s, and occasionally mile repeats in hopes that NSAF Outdoor Nationals (formerly sponsored by New Balance) isn't cancelled. On easy days, I log in around 3-5 easy miles.

2. What was the hardest thing about the track season ending prematurely?

I feel as if I didn't get to live up to my full potential. I only got to run the 1600 (my favorite event) once this season, making me wish I had more chances to better my time. It was also very disappointing missing out on chances to hang out with the seniors that ran track before they left for college.

3. What are you looking forward to most this upcoming XC season?

Competing. My favorite aspect of XC is the competitiveness of the sport, and the many friends you make through it. I also love the many opportunities to bond with teammates, friends, and family, along with the excited/nervous feeling passing through you before a race.

4. What are some goals you are setting for yourself and your team this upcoming XC

season?

I personally would like to get down to the 19:20s or under. As for my team, I would just want for all of us to put forth the same amount of effort and devotion to the sport and try our best every practice and race.

5. What is your favorite workout?

A 2 mile warmup, then a descending pyramid workout - 1x1600, 2x800, 2x400, 2x200, ending with a 1.25 mile cool down.

6. What is your least favorite workout?

600s and especially 1000s are mentally the toughest, most challenging workouts for me, so probably anything to do with those.

7. What is your favorite post race/workout meal?

After races, I love to eat chicken of any sort, hahaha. After workouts, my favorite snack is sliced bananas with peanut butter, sometimes with chocolate chips :)

8. What goals would you like to accomplish before you graduate?

XC wise, I would mainly like to be sub 18:00 before I graduate. Track wise, my goal mile time before I graduate would be somewhere around 4:45-4:55.

9. Who has been helpful to you as you have developed as a runner?

Primarily, my parents. They have fully supported me, and guided me throughout my journey to find the sport I was truly devoted to and loved, being Track and XC. Also, I have to give much credit to the wonderful friends I've made through running, who have included me in workouts, paced me for time trials, and cheered for me during meets. And last but certainly not least, my coach, who has guided me and cared for my development and progression since day one.

10. Any final comments?

Running has been so therapeutic for me in so many ways. I am truly grateful for the wonderful opportunities that have been given to me through this sport and hope to see myself and others progress over time, along with my love for Track and XC :))

Coach Greg Warnick's comments: Sophie has the potential to be an elite runner. It's exciting to see her becoming a student of running which will allow her to maximize her potential as she learns more about training, race strategy, diet, strengthening, rest, etc. Sophie was really fortunate to watch and learn great habits from our seniors --Brock Kelly, Allison Hanby, Preston Noland, and Ben Woolhouse. I look forward to her stepping into more of a leadership role for our team this year.

High School