Hilliard Davidson's India Johnson - Cross Country - "It's going to hurt, and it's supposed to."

OHSAA Early Season Invitational at National Trails.  1st in D1 girl's race.  (photo M. Stonecipher)

Personal Records
  • 400m - 1:01.27
  • 800m (in) - 2:22.21
  • 800m - 2:22.63
  • 1600m (in) - 4:59.84
  • 1600m - 4:58.26
  • 3200m (in) - 10:55.90
  • 3200m - 10:29.80
  • 5K (xc) - 17:31.35

India Johnson's Profile


OH MileSplit:  When did you decide to start concentrating on the 3,200 instead of the 1,600?

India:  I think my coach and I knew that I was going to stick with the 3200 after the Wayne Invitation. The idea of either doubling or going the one mile route had been in the up in the air for awhile. I knew that running a 1600 with Michaela, I'd be able to run a fast time. Then on the other hand I knew there were spots open in the 3200 at state. The real decision came after the Wayne Invitational when I was able to run 10:39 with the last 2 laps being solo.


In route to winning the 2016 OATCCC D1 3200m.  (photo Shawn Conlon)

OH MileSplit:  How much confidence did having a strong indoor season and winning the OATCCC State D1 3,200m give you for the outdoor season?

India:  I knew that winning the indoor state title was big, but I still looked for more in times and national rankings.


Anchoring the Davidson girls in the 2016 OHSAA D1 girl's 4x800. (photo M. Stonecipher)


OH MileSplit:  As a sophomore, you anchored the Davidson girl's to a 4th place in the D1 4x800.  This spring, your anchored for a 5th place finish.  How much confidence did you have going into the 3,200m finals?  What was your race strategy for the finals?  What did it mean to you to win outdoors?

India:  I don't think the 4x800 was a reflection on how much confidence I had going into the next day of competition. My teammates and I knew that how we performed at States just wasn't our best showing. If anything the 4x800 played a huge part in that I didn't want to let my teammates down, and I knew that Davidson Distance deserved more credit.

OH MileSplit:  In the NBNO 5K, what were your expectations going into the race, on the National stage, especially with Weine Kelati in the race?  How pleased were you with 4th?


2016 New Balance 5K finals.  (photo Jeff Sides)

India:  The New Balance 5k is a tough race in general. Not only are you racing the top distance runners in the country, but you're  running 12.5 laps on a track, in June and in North Carolina. Going into the meet I wanted to break 17:00. In past years going under 17:00 was near All-American. So in order to fulfill going sub 17:00, it only made sense to shoot to be All-American. I was happy with the outcome of race.

OH MileSplit:  In Cross Country, you have gone to State three times. 


2013 OHSAA D1 State Cross Country.  (photo M. Stonecipher)

You have progressed from 111th in 2013 as a freshman (20:15.81),


2014 OHSAA D1 State Cross Country.  (photo M. Stonecipher)

31st in 2014 as a sophomore (18:56.57),


2015 OHSAA D1 State Cross Country.  (photo M. Stonecipher)

to 2nd as a junior last fall in 17:43.00. 

How would you describe yourself progression a runner from your freshman year to now?

India:  I will say that my progression is not a normal one. It's very uncommon to find a runner that has large progressions each season and I'm very fortunate and appreciative to have that. I also give a tremendous amount of credit to my coaches. I would describe myself as a pretty experienced runner and that has played a part in my progression over the years. I've been able to go to the State meet and learn what works and what doesn't.

OH MileSplit:  If you could choose one descriptive word, how would you describe the difference between yourself now and as a freshman?  Why?

India:  One word that describes me now as of my freshman year is "knowledgeable". I've  learned that being a student of the sport is one of the most important characteristics of an athlete. I've learned about nutrition, sleep, injury prevention, communication, and overall what works best for my body (other than just running).

OH MileSplit:  What kind of base work did you put in this summer in terms of miles per week?

India:  I hit around 50-60 miles in the summer.

OH MileSplit: How would you describe yourself as a runner?

India:  I'm a competitor for sure. Very rarely do you see give up, unless it's bowling. I'm really awful at bowling.

OH MileSplit:  Which do you like more, running on the track or in cross country?  Why?

India:  I really enjoy the 2 mile and the soft surface on the track, but cross country is another beast. Not only are you running for 6 other team members, but you're challenged with different obstacles. Plus, I think Cross Country is more aggressive.

OH MileSplit:  How would you describe running a 5K Cross Country race to someone who has never run a competitive Cross Country?

India:  Be ready to experience a feeling like never before. It's going to hurt, and it's supposed to. Focus on pushing yourself the whole way, rather than just the beginning or end.

OH MileSplit:  You were second in the D1 girls State XC meet last year with a 17:43, just 4 seconds behind Centerville Sr. Lainey Studebaker.  14 of the top 20 girls were all underclassman and will be returning, including Jr. Emma Bower of Olentangy Liberty who was the only other girl who went under 18:00.  As of today, you would be the preseason favorite to win State.  First, take us through last years race. 


2015 State D1 .  Coming down the hill after the Mile and through the field.  (photo Christian Lisle)

Jr. Morgan Gigandet of Troy took the race out hard and led through the 2-mile.  You were in a group that included Studebaker, Emma Bower and Carly Davis about 6-7 meters back.  What were your thoughts at that time? 


2015  State D1 race with about 500m to go.  (photo Chris Greene)


Coming off the hill with about 500m to go, Studebaker had about a 5m lead.  When did you catch Gigandet and when did Studebaker take the lead?  At this point had you mentally settled for 2nd or did you think you could catch her?  Coming down the strait to the finish what were your thoughts.

India:  At that point in the race Morgan still had a large margin of ground that Lainey and I had to make up. So the main focus was really to keep that gap as small as possible and cover any moves anyone else made.

I'd say we caught Morgan with about half mile to go and Lainey took the lead with just over a quarter of a mile. Once Lainey made a move I had tried to cover it and was just unable to. I fought as much as I could for the rest of the race. I think going out really strong and being a front runner for the first pack had drained any kick I should have had left. Coming down the straightaway I was still focused on Lainey's back, but I knew that no matter the outcome I was proud of the process it took to get there.

OH MileSplit:  What are your expectations for this Cross Country season?

India:  I'm really looking to carry over some of the success I had in track over to cross country. Hopefully break into the national stage.

OH MileSplit:  How do you stay motivated over the course of the Cross Country season?

India: It's pretty simple, I love what I do. It's really easy to stay motivated when you have a family, coach, and teammates that support you.

OH MileSplit:  What is the most satisfying race so far in your high school career?

India:  I definitely think the 5k at nationals was one of the most satisfying races. I really got to put it all out there and see that my hard work paid off.

OH MileSplit:  Thank you India.  We will look forward to watching you this Fall and to both Indoors and Outdoors on the track.