Aaliyah "Mookie" Barnes 2103 Eastmoor Academy
Personal Bests
- 100 Meter Dash 11.80
- 200 Meter Dash 24.40
- 400 Meter Dash 56.78
OHRunners: You are the current D2 100m and 200m Champion as a Sophmore, in respective times of 12.19 and 24.73. When did you first start running?
Mookie: I first started running when I was about 9 or 10 just for fun. Then about two years later I started to run AAU track.
OHRunners: Did you run in Middle School? What did you run? What kind of times did you run in Middle School?
Mookie: Yes, I ran Middle School track for Monroe Middle School. I ran the 100, 200 and 400. I ran some pretty good times, but I'm not really sure what they were.
OHRunners: Did you run in 9th grade? What did you run?
Mookie: I did not run in the 9th grade due to not having the right amount of credits.
OHRunners: Did you run AAU that summer? What did you run and what were your times? Who was coaching you at that time?
Mookie: It was tough for me not being able to run in the 9th grade, but I did run AAU that summer to stay in shape. I ran some pretty good times, but I'm pretty sure I could of run better. I was coached by Tremayne Peppers that summer.
OHRunners: Last year, you obviously ran well throughout the season and through Districts and Regionals. As a Sophomore who had not been to State before, what were your expectations for State? Can you describe your thoughts and feelings when you came into Jesse Owens stadium?
Mookie: Wow, coming to state was something new to me. I always run in AAU nationals but walking into that stadium scared me. I’m already nervous when it comes to running, so just being there made me very scared, well nervous. I actually puked in the 100 finals. It was so funny how scared I was, I remember thinking ‘”oh my gosh this is real, I’m about to run”. Really, the only thing that was on my mind was finishing the race. My SI joint was so messed up, I didn’t know if I could do it.
OHRunners: What was your mindset before the prelims and after you had qualified for the finals in the 100 and 200?
Mookie: The mindset I had was ”go in here and do your best. No matter what happens, your still a winner.”
OHRunners: As you were warming up for the 100m finals, can you describe what you were thinking and feeling?
Mookie: As I was warming up, I was just thinking to myself, “ like is this real.” I remember taking a knee and looking to God for answers. I guess to calm myself down. It all seemed unreal. I was thinking to myself “I’m finally here after not running last year.”
OHRunners: Can you describe the 100m finals for us?
Mookie: The 100m race for me was tragic, I came out the blocks dead last but I just kept my head up and kept running. Going towards the middle of the race I started to pull away but even though I was ahead I was not about to slow down. Towards the end going across the finish line I was in shock. I didn’t know what to do.
OHRunners: After you had won, what were you’re immediate thoughts? Were you thinking of the 200? Did you’re expectations for the 200 change after you had won the 100? In other words, were you more relaxed, or was there still a more nervous expectation with the thought that I could win both?
Mookie: After the 100, I was in shock. I remember lifting my hands up in the air and thanking God. I didn’t have any thoughts at that time about the 200 because I was still in shock of the 100. Although I won the 100, my thoughts or feelings about the 200 never changed. No matter how many races I win, I go into every race with the attitude that there is someone who wants to beat me. I don’t like to lose. I stayed neutral and nervous, like always.
OHRunners: Can you take us through your 200m run?
Mookie: The 200 for me was a bad race. Although the 200 was my favorite race that day, I ran it horrible. I came out good, but in the middle of the curve my back (SI joint) was hurting so bad. Coming off the curve, I relaxed a little bit becasue I didn't want to hurt anything, but I didn't want to just give up. Dailey (Sasha Dailey of Tol. Rogers) was right behind me, so I just tried to stretch it out and finish the race. Once I crossed the finish line, I was happy the race was over. But, winning that race made me forget about the pain.
OHRunners: After winning the 200, what were your thoughts?
Mookie: After winning the 200, I thought “ man I finally did it ! This is what I’ve been waiting for. I sat out a year for this.”
OHRunners: I couldn’t find that you ran in the indoor season? What did you do in the Fall off season and during the winter? . Do you participate in any other sports at Eastmoor?
Mookie: I don’t run indoor track because I’m not ready to stick to one sport yet, so instead for winter and fall I played volleyball. At Eastmoor, I also participate in volleyball and basketball, but this year I played volleyball for Eastmoor and took a break from Eastmoor basketball and played club volleyball for the first time ever for CVA.
OHRunners: What is a typical week of practice like for you when you have a meet on a Saturday. What do you do on Monday, Tuesday, etc.
Mookie: Practice for me would be a lot of 300’s and 200’s and sometimes 400’s. Since I’m running the 400 this year, I do a lot of form workouts and weight room workouts to get me stronger for that hard race. For the 100, I work in the blocks most of the time and work on my reaction to the gun.
OHRunners: How much time do you spend on start technique?
Mookie: I spend a lot of time in the blocks with the sled to get better with my start and my drive phase. I still need a lot of work, nothing is ever perfect.
OHRunners: How much time do you spend on speed work? What is a typical speed workout?
Mookie: I don’t spend much time on speed work , I could really use it, but I’m sure as I go further along in track I will use it.
OHRunners: Describe yourself as a runner? What motivates Mookie?
Mookie: I would describe myself as a hard, determined, Runner! I have a lot of heart and always want to get better! For me the race is never over!
OHRunners: What are your expectations and goals for this year as the current defending D2 100 and 200 State Champion?
Mookie: My expectations are to always do my best. I can’t really think that far ahead yet. I’m going to take my time and let whatever happens, happen. I’m also not running the 200. So I’m pretty sad about that, but hopefully I can go to State in the 400 and get another title. I’m happy with any and every out come!
OHRunners: Why was the decision made to not run and defend in the 200 and to run the 400 instead?
Mookie: I switched out the 200 to become a better and stronger runner.
OHRunners: Your PR in the 400 is 56.78. That would have placed 3rd in last years’ D2 400. Charlotte Meyers of Bexley won the race in a time of 55.87. She has graduated. Samantha Murray of Defiance was 2nd in 56.21. She will return as a sophomore. The D2 State record is 53.19, set by Ayrizanna Favours of Eastmoor in 2005. What are your expectations this year for the 400?
Mookie: My fastest time ever in the 400 is a 55.5. I am very aware of the times from last year, but all I'm really focusing on is my race! Thinking about it will make me even more nervous! And the record set in 2005 by my idol is a wonderful goal to try and reach! But all I can do is focus on the now!
OHRunners: Thanks Mookie. We’ll be watching for you in the 100 and the 400 this year.