Michelle Thomas
Personal Bests
1600 Meter Run - 4:56.70
Two Mile Run - 10:59.47
3200 Meter Run - 10:46.59
5000 Meter Run - 17:56.40
800 Meter Run - 2:18.40
One Mile Run - 5:12.42
OHRunners: When did you start running? When did you realize that you had the potential to become a very good runner? Prior to running, what other interests or sports did you participate in?
Michelle: I started running Cross Country in the 7th grade and then I started track in the 8th grade. I think I realized during my eighth grade year that I could be good because right after the 7th grade I told my dad and my coach that I wanted to be really good. That’s when they really started to help me. After my eighth grade year my dad and I realized that if I worked hard I could probably become a pretty good runner. After that, I worked hard and I think my high school coach just helped me to continue to progress.
Prior to running I danced and I still do. I have been dancing since I was three.
OHRunners: Tell me about your summer training? After track season, did you take time off? What type of training have you done over the summer? Do you run any 5 or 10K's?
Michelle: As far as my summer training goes after the State track meets, I have always taken a couple of weeks off. The type of training I have done this summer is base. Lots of miles. During the summer I have mainly built up my base miles so that when the Cross Country season started, I was ready for workouts.
I did run some 5k’s this summer. I usually run around 2 or 3 to keep in shape for the upcoming season. This year I ran in the New Richmond 5k and Newton 5k.
OHRunners: Do you prefer XC or track? What do you like-dislike about about each?
Michelle: I use to like Cross Country a little better than track but, after winning Championships in indoor and outdoor track, I like track a little more now. But if I had to pick one as a favorite, I would pick Cross Country.
The things I like about Cross Country are that you don't run round and round, basically in a circle. I also like the fact that it is more team oriented and with people lining the course to cheer for you and your team, it really helps keep the adrenaline going.
As far as dislikes, there really isn't anything that I don't like. As for track, I really like the relays. It is so much fun to be able to run a race with 3 others with each of us running the same distance or at some relay meets, different distances. I also like how there is so much going on at one time. While a race is going on, someone can be pole vaulting, long jumping and high jumping all at the same time. The thing I dislike about track is that you have to keep running in a circle and after a while it gets old.
OHRunners:OHRunners: Each XC course and race is different. The courses are different and weather conditions can influence times as well. Do you visualize your races? i.e. how fast you will start, each mile split, who your competition may be and how you will run the race?
Michelle: Yes I do think I do this. I am always very concerned about who is in my race because knowing who is in the race will have a strong impact on how I prepare, and how I will run the race.
OHRunners: I would expect that in most races, with the exception of larger invitationals or national races, that you run out front and control the pace. Do you like to run out front? Are you comfortable running out front and alone? As a Senior are you confident in knowing pace? What do you think about during a race?
Michelle: I definitely love running out front. I hate to get involved in all the mess of the pack. It doesn't bother me to run at front by myself, but as I have gotten older, I realize it helps to have someone not far behind because it helps push me for a good time. For example, when I ran the state track meet last Spring, it took everything in my power not to take the lead and to just hang back because that’s not the way I run, but it definitely was a smart plan. I would say as a Senior I am confident in knowing the pace and I like to be in control of that pace if I can, but this obviously doesn't always happen. When I run I don't really think about anything in particular usually I focus on finishing and beating my competitors.
OHRunners: In a race where you know that you will have competition, for example, the upcoming Tiffin XC Carnival. How do you mentally prepare for the race? Do you have a specific race plan? XC running and distance running does take some experience. Are you confident now that you can make adjustments during a competitive race, and know how to react to other runner’s strengths and weaknesses to win?
Michelle: When I have a hard meet coming up like the Tiffin Carnival, I mentally prepare for it by not thinking about it too soon and stressing. I try to not stress or get nervous until that day. Then I start to focus on exactly what I am going to do. Going into a race, I have a general plan but plans can change. I usually see how the start goes and then work from there. Yea, as the years have gone on, I definitely have become more experienced and I have learned the strengths and weaknesses of my opponents. I think I really learned how to race at the state track meet last year because I learned that you don't always have to be out in the front to win.
OHRunners: As a Freshmen, in 2007, you finished 14th in the State, just one second in front of Hanna Neczypor of North Royalton. As a Sophomore, you were 2nd in the State, less than one second ahead of Hanna. In your Junior year, Hanna finished 3rd and you were 4th, just over four seconds behind Hanna. Hanna and you are two of Ohio's premier HS Cross Country runners. I believe that you will run against her at the Tiffin Carnival. How do you prepare for a race against a competitor such as Hanna? You obviously know her and how she runs. Even though you are racing against each other, do you run with her and feed off of each other? Knowing that you have a tough run ahead, how do you visualize a race against her, or another top competitor?
Michelle: Hannah is one of the toughest runners I have ever had to prepare for. She is very talented and at anytime she can majorly pick up the pace. She has demonstrated this at different times in races, which makes it even harder. If you want to beat Hannah, you have to be prepared for her to take off and you have to go with her. It is definitely easier said, than done. Yes I try to run with Hannah and feed off of her because if you are able to do that you are definitely going to have a great race.
When I have a tough race against an opponent, I try to think of their strengths and how I can neutralize them. If I can do this, then I might be able to gain an advantage over them in the race. For example, if I know I am going up against someone who has a great kick, I might try to wear them out earlier in the race with a faster pace so that their legs may be tired and they will not have their leg speed at the end of the race.
OHRunners: What makes Michelle tick? Do you love to compete? Do you hate to loose? What do you believe are the attributes of an excellent XC runner? Do you have those attributes?
Michelle: I think the thing that makes me tick is the drive to want to win and have fun at the same time. I do love to compete and even if I win a race and I don't think I ran a good time or I didn’t like the way I ran the race, I tend to be very critical of myself and even mad at times. I think that this only helps me to do better the next time.
I think the attributes of an excellent XC runner are courage, passion, drive to win, dedication, and you have to love the sport because if you don't put in the miles in the summer you are not going to be as ready for the Fall and will not be as good as you may have been. I think, to some extent, that I have most of these attributes, but it is my dedication and love for the sport that drives me the most.
OHRunners: What is a typical week of training for you now that the season has started? Knowing your competition in most cases, will you "run" through some meets as hard training runs in preparation to peaking at the right times and being fresh for larger competitions?
Michelle: A typical week of training for me entails a recovery run on Sundays if I am not feeling too tired. Monday is usually a long run. Typically for as long as my coach will let me. Tuesday is usually a long workout, Wednesday is another long run, Thursday is a shorter, speed, pace workout and Friday is an easy day to prepare for the meet and Saturday is race day! Yes I do use some races as hard workouts when I know that I probably will not have any serious competition, because my ultimate goal is to peak around state.
OHRunners: Thanks Michelle. I know that your expectations are high for this season and I am sure that all of your hard work and dedication will pay off. Congratulations on your career thus far and I am looking forward to your success this year.