Catching Up with Top Returners: Leah Wallace

-Athlete Name: Leah Wallace

-School: Reynoldsburg High School

-Year of Graduation: 2015

-Best time in a 5K race and in which meet:

18:36 and 2011 OHSAA Ohio State Crosscountry Championship.

-Tell us how your summer training is going?

It's hot!!... Haha, I'm trying to stick with similar workouts that I did last summer so I can progress through the season and peak at the right time in the postseason.

-What are your goals for the upcoming season?

I have little goals set for this season to improve my races like focusing more on my form, strength, etc.

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

I've been running since 7th grade and decided to run then to get in shape for basketball and eventually continued running after discovering how much I really enjoyed it.

-Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?

Not this cross country season.

-What is your favorite course to run in Ohio?

I love any course that is usually in the woods and mostly flat for faster times when racing.

-What is the toughest course to run in Ohio?

I would have to say Pickerington north with the big hills and over-all rough course.

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

I usually put extra emphasize on the meets close to post season to make sure I perform better and feel ready for what the races leading to state will be like

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

Running in the states would probably be my favorite race so far because you run against the best runners in ohio which means you usually compete at your very best ... Giving you confidence and usually resulting in personal records:)

-Favorite cross country memory?

My favorite memory would probably have to be at state last season when I went into the race with less confidence then I usually have because I was just a "freshman," but I ran the race with the mindset that I might be able to finish in a pretty decent spot .... Running strong and eventually finishing 13th overall:)

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

Definitely Basketball ( I have been playing since 2nd grade ) Piano and hanging out with friends

-Favorite quote?

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13.

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

I always seem to be listening to all different types of music... It's weird how I can be listening to country one moment and then pop the next.

-What professional athlete would you most like to meet? 

I would like to meet Paula Radcliffe because she inspires me to always keep working hard to reach my goals I set out for the future.