Jayden Ware is a freshman at St. Patrick Catholic High School. She is currently the team's #1 runner with a season best of 21:10.79. She has, however gone faster than that as an 8th grader, her overall PR is 20:40.36. Of course, Jayden runs track too. She is a 5:56 miler, a 13:04 two miler and runs the 800 in 2:41. This season she took first place at the Forerunner Lakeshore Run and she's the defending Division Champion. Let's find out what makes Jayden tick.
DP: What is your name, what grade are you in, and what school do you attend?
JW: My name is Jayden Ware. I am in the 9th grade, and I attend Saint Patrick.
DP: What is your favorite color?
JW: My favorite color is baby blue.
DP: What is your current PR in the 5K?
JW: My current PR in the 5K is 20:40.
DP: What is the next goal, time, or mark you are trying to hit?
JW: I would really like to run a 5K somewhere in the 19-minute range.
DP: What is your favorite workout your Coach has you do?
JW: My favorite workout is the tempo runs.
DP: What is your least favorite workout?
JW: My least favorite workout is 1-mile repeats.
DP: What got you started in cross country?
JW: My interest in cross country and running began when I attended a cross country summer camp at St. Patrick Catholic High School when I was in the second grade. The camp was hosted by my current coach, Tim McDaniel.
DP: Wow, second grade. That's great. What are your plans after high school?
JW: I plan to attend Mississippi State University, and I hope I can run there.
DP: What motivates you to train?
JW: I stay motivated to train because I want our Cross Country team to win the State Championship.
DP: Do you have any superstitions on meet day or perhaps an odd pre-meet routine?
JW: I feel like I have to run with my white headband. If I don't, I feel like I will not have a good run.
DP: Gatorade or Powerade?
JW: I like Gatorade and Powerade, but if I had to choose, it would be Gatorade.
DP: What is your favorite subject in school?
JW: My favorite subject in school is social studies.
DP: What is your favorite Cross Country memory?
JW: I have a few favorite Cross Country memories, such as our team winning the State Championship when I was in the 7th grade. Also, when I won 1st place in the MHSAA Middle School Cross Country Classic when I was in the 7th grade, and when I won 1st place in the MHSAA Region 5-6-7 Cross Country Championship when I was in the 8th grade.
DP: What is your favorite course and why?
JW: My favorite course is the course in Clinton where the Watson High School Meet and the Regional and State Championship meets are held because that is where I ran my PR.
DP: Who is your favorite musical artist?
JW: My favorite musical artist is Bruno Mars.
DP: What is your favorite brand of running shoe?
JW: My favorite running shoe is Brooks.
DP: Jersey (Singlet), tucked or untucked?
JW: I prefer untucked shirts.
DP: Do you have a favorite meal for the night before a meet?
JW: I like to eat Hibachi the night before a race.
DP: Hibachi! Fun, who is your favorite athlete in any sport and why?
JW: There are a lot of athletes I admire and want to be like. But if I had to choose just one, it would be Corey McGee. She is an outstanding runner, and she is from the MS Gulf Coast. She has accomplished so much and is so disciplined.
DP: I know Corey. She is awesome and a great role model for young runners like you. Do you take ice baths? If yes, what do you think about during an ice bath?
JW: I have never taken an ice bath.
DP: Name a lesson that cross country has taught you.
JW: Cross country has taught me you have to work really hard to win.
DP: Do you have a rival runner?
JW: Yes, I do have a few rival runners.
DP: Who is your team's biggest rival?
JW: My team's biggest rival is St. Andrews.
DP: What is the weirdest thing you've seen at a meet?
JW: The weirdest thing I've seen in a meet is a boy vomiting on everyone after the race.
DP: What do you do to recover after a meet?
JW: I drink plenty of water after a race to recover.
DP: What's your favorite sport to watch?
JW: I enjoy watching cross country, track, and soccer.
DP: What is your favorite thing about your coach?
JW: I am blessed to have Coach Tim McDaniel as my coach. He is always so supportive of me. He encourages me, is patient with me, and knows what to say to make me feel and do better.
DP: Who is your biggest fan?
JW: My biggest fan is my Paw Paw, Sonny Pisarich.
DP: What advice would you like to share with younger runners, maybe the JH kids on your team?
JW: My best advice for younger runners is never to give up. Cross country is a challenging sport, but your hard work will pay off.
DP: Have you had any injuries you've had to deal with in your career?
JW: Yes, I've had a broken elbow and a sprained ankle.
DP: What is your greatest accomplishment in cross country?
JW: My greatest accomplishment in cross country has been when I won 1st place in the MHSAA Middle School Cross Country Classic in the 7th grade and 1st place in the MHSAA Region 5-6-7 Cross Country Championship when I was in the 8th grade.
DP: What is an outrageous fear that you have? For example, I fear sharks in a swimming pool.
JW: My greatest fear is I will not be able to finish a race.
DP: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
JW: If I could have any superpower, it would be speed.
DP: Is there anything else you want to share with the MileSplit Community?
JW: My team and I are working really hard this season to win the MHSAA 3A Girls Cross Country State Championship. And I would like to be the MHSAA 3A Girls State Champion.
DP: Awesome goals, good luck to you; we'll be rooting for you!
