-Athlete Name: Elena Horton
-School: Indian Hill High School
-Year of Graduation: 2014
-Best time in a 5K race and in which meet:
19:15 at the 2011 State Championship Meet
Elena recently made a very difficult decision that will end her cross country season on October 1st. Elena has decided to sacrifice cross country in order to transfer to a school in Vermont that focuses on hockey in the hopes of playing hockey at a competitive college. Elena has always loved cross country, but Ice Hockey is her number one sport. Elena will run with Indian Hill until she leaves in early October.
"I think that cross country was the hardest thing for me to give up," said Elena, "but I will be closely following the meets and athletes on OHRunners."
-Tell us how your summer training is going?
It's going well, I actually don't do much running in the summer but I do a lot of strength and cardio training for hockey. My favorite is the workout series called "Insanity"
-What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I'd like to break the 19:00 barrier before I leave in October
-How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since 7th grade. My older sister ran in middle school and I wanted to give it a try. We have both stuck with it ever since, and it will be weird not having her on the team this year because she graduated, but my younger sister will be a freshman on the team this year so you could say it's a bit of a family thing now.
-Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
No, I'll be leaving before October 1st, so I won't even be able to participate in any championships.
-What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?
The regional course in Troy. I thought I would hate it when we walked it but it was a nice, cold race day and it went by really fast when I ran, so I really liked it.
-What is the toughest course to run in Ohio?
The Father Rudy Invitational at Rapid Run Park. Even though it's slightly shorter than a 5k its still ridiculously hilly. There are both short steep hills and really long gradual hills.
-What meet during the season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
The regional meet at Troy. My freshman year it was my first run back after I was recovering from mono, and my sophomore year our girls' team was looking strong and we had a shot at getting to states for the first time ever so that definitely pushed me. We ended up getting 5th as a team which was disappointing.
-What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?
The state meet last year was so exciting. There were so many people cheering and so many good runners it was fun to be a part of the experience.
-Favorite cross country memory?
I was out with mono during the league championships my freshman year, and I got to watch my older sister crush her PR oh her birthday. It was really fun cheering for her and the rest of the team.
-When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to go with a couple of friends to a rink and just mess around on the ice for a few hours.
-Favorite quote?
"Great moments are born from great opportunities" -Herb Brooks
-What's on your Ipod when you go out for runs?
Levels by Avici on repeat.
-What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
I'd love to meet Sidney Crosby because he's amazing at hockey.