Catching Up with the Top Returners 2014 - Taylor Vernot

Taylor Vernot

School:   Wauseon

Gradation: 2015

2013 OHSAA State Cross Country Championships:  D2 1st Place (18:04.40)

Wauseon Junior Taylor Vernot is the OHSAA defending D2 State Champion, running a 18:04.40.  As a Freshman she ran 11th in 18:49.17.  On the track she was 10th in 2012 in the D2 1600 (5:16.47) and last spring she was 6th in the 1600 (5:07.25) and 11th in the 3200 (11:42.67).

 

Best time in a 5K race and in which meet?

18:04 at the 2013 OHSAA Division 2 State Championship Meet.

Tell us how your summer training is going?

My training is going very well so far. I took a short break after the track state meet, but am now back to running and getting in some base mileage. It makes me excited for the upcoming season!

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

My main goal for this year is to focus on lowering my time even further from last year, hopefully breaking the 18 minute barrier. I hope to compete well all season, and to help motivate my teammates to improve as well.

How long have you been running and how did you get started?

I've been running competitively since 7th grade cross country, but I was not completely new to running. My dad had been coaching for several years, so I grew up going to some of the meets and participating in different kids' runs and 5K's that he would sign me up for.

Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?

Currently I have not decided if I will be running anywhere out of state post-season. If I do, I would most likely compete at Foot Locker or Nike Cross Nationals again.

What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?

My favorite Ohio course is Ottawa Glandorf. I've always enjoyed it for being a flat, fast course, and a good portion of it is in and around trees, which I really like.

What is the toughest course to run in Ohio?

For me, one of the toughest courses I've raced on in Ohio is the Liberty Center course at Widewater. It incorporates a lot of rolling hills, which slows you down a little, but you can still run a great time there.

What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at? 

Although I push myself at every meet, I definitely put extra emphasis to compete well at our league meet every season. We have a very competitive league, and we all want to improve each year for ourselves and for our teams.

What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?

My favorite cross country race in my high school career so far would definitely have to be at the state meet last year. It's exciting to run with some of the best people in the state, and for me to end up winning that race is something I will never forget.

Favorite cross country memory?

The experience of running to a State championship will always be among my favorite cross country memories. The feeling is indescribable, and seeing the various reactions from my teammates and coaches was priceless. With all the texts, cards, and words of congratulations I received, I realized how much support I have and how much I have truly been blessed by this sport.

When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?

When I'm not running, one of my favorite things to do is hang out with or talk to my friends. I also enjoy reading books and writing.

Favorite quote?  

“Worry fades away when we know for sure our future is secure in God's hands.”

What shoes do you train in?

Nike Structure 17

What shoes do you race in?

Saucony Shay XC 3

What's on your Ipod when you go out for runs?

Typically I try to run with my teammates, so I don't listen to music when I'm running with them. On the rare occasion when I am running alone, I listen to Pandora for a variety of different music.

What is something that most people don't know about you?

Most people do not know that I deliver flowers for our local florist from time to time. I drive a big delivery van around to funeral homes, hospitals, nursing homes, companies, and to people's homes. I love it!