As part of the Hoka One One Future Stars program, MileSplit is highlighting some of the top underclassmen cross country runners throughout the country. In this athlete spotlight, we feature Vanadlia-Butler High School (OH) sophomore Emma Bryant. As a ninth grader at Vandalia-Butler, Bryant ran 18:35 for 5K in cross country and posted a 5:01 PR in the 1600 and 2:18 time in the 800. Check out our Q&A interview with Bryant below!
Interview with Vandalia-Butler High School (OH) sophomore Emma Bryant
OhioMileSplit: Thank you for agreeing to talk with us. Emma you were the only freshman in the top 10 at the OHSAA D1 State XC Championship last fall, running 9th in 18:51.30. You followed that up with 1st in 1,600 at the OATCCC Indoor State Championships with a 5:10.71 and in the spring you were 8th in the D1 1,600 with a 5:03.81 at the State Track Championships. In Middle School you doubled in the 1,600 and the 800, winning both (5:13.13, 2:21.60). Coming into your freshman year at Butler, what were your expectations at the beginning of the XC season? Did you think you would be competitive at the HS level? Did you have any concerns over running with the experienced, older girls?
Emma: My expectations were pretty high. The main goal was to podium at cross country state. Also, another smaller goal was to break into the 18s. I really had no idea I would be able to compete with the best girls in the state! The outcome of state was absolutely amazing! Well of course I was super nervous. The more races, the better and more experienced I become. I'm still getting used to high school races, but I think I'm going to have a good year!
OhioMileSplit: You started the season off with a win at the OHSAA Pre-season Invitational, running a 19:41.52 on the course that hosts the State Championships. Did your expectations change at that time?
Emma: Well, my coach said that running that race was basically just to get a feel for what state would be like. It was a good chance to get to run the course and it was great to win and I did, of course, gather some confidence from the win, but my goal of making the podium hasn't changed.
OhioMileSplit: What were your thoughts and expectations going into the State XC Championship? What were your thoughts in terms of how to run the course at the State meet?
Emma: My thoughts basically just consisted of making the podium. My coach stressed regionals a lot and said that anything that happened at state was just a bonus. I was having great workouts and I was ready to run a good race! Basically, I just wanted to stay in the top twenty for most of the race until we got to the downhill section, then I kicked it in to see how many people I could pass. I feel like I'm better at pacing the 1600. For some reason I feel like it's easier to pace 4, 100 meter laps than to pace 3 miles.
OhioMileSplit: You won the 1,600 at the OATCCC Indoor State Championships with a 5:10.71. One would have to believe that your confidence was building as a freshman. How would you describe your confidence at that time and were you running up to your own expectations at that time?
Emma: It's funny actually, I came into that race really nervous and did not expect to win! I tried putting the nervous thoughts out of my head and it actually worked. I had never been the person to brag about accomplishments, but I was definitely proud of myself. It was a good day!
OhioMileSplit: You had a very good track season as a Freshman, culminating in an 8th place finish at State in the 1,600, running 5:03.81. The week before you ran a PR of 5:01.51, placing 3rd at Regionals. What was it like walking into Jesse Owens Stadium for the first time as a State qualifier?
Emma: I was extremely nervous! Usually I'm able to put the nerves behind me, but everything about that race was intimidating! I was kind of disappointed with my placement because I thought I could have been higher on the podium. Other than that, it was a great experience and really cool to be able to run at Ohio State!
OhioMileSplit: Do you believe that the 1,600 is your better race or will we see you move to the 3,200?
Emma: This is actually debatable. My best race in my opinion is the 1600, but my coach is thinking about possibly running me in the 3200 as well.
OhioMileSplit: Why do you think the 1600 is your best race?
Emma: I feel like I'm better at pacing the 1600. For some reason I feel like it's easier to pace four, 400 meter laps than to pace 3 miles.
OhioMileSplit: What was your summer training like? Were you just putting in base miles or were you doing any speed and pace work? What type of mileage per week were you putting in over the summer?
Emma: It went pretty well! For the most part, we were just building up mileage. Towards the end of the summer, we started doing one or two workouts a week that were just speed (not too difficult). During the summer, I was running about 40-45 miles a week.
OhioMileSplit: How would you describe yourself as a runner? Are you an aggressive runner? Do you like leading or sitting back and waiting to see what happens in a race? Do you visualize your race?
Emma: I would say I'm still getting into the groove of high school races. They are really different from middle school and a lot more intense. Normally I like to stay within the top 5 or so and just see how the race goes. And sometimes I visualize. But most of the time I try to focus on what's happening currently instead of thinking about the future race. It helps me relax.
OhioMileSplit: What motivates you Emma?
Emma: A lot of things motivate me! Music is pretty motivating. I like to listen to Eminem and a lot of up-beat songs. Also, another thing that motivates me is other runners. I pick out a few successful people and just think to myself that if they can do it, I can. Everyone starts from the bottom and builds their way up to the runner they are. Finally, my parents, my team mates and my coaches motivate me. They are very supportive and always encourage me to do better!
OhioMileSplit: What are your expectations at the start of this XC season?
Emma: I'd like to pick up pretty close to where I left off last year. I would love to start PRing again. My main goal this year is top 3 on the XC state podium!