XC Spotlight: Audrey Carpenter - Ocala Vanguard



Ocala Vanguard senior Audrey Carpenter is part of a powerful 1-2 punch for the Knights this season. Carpenter was 9th at the 3A state meet in the 1,600m (5:14.25) and has put in the base work this summer to have a successfull fall. She has won two of her first three meets including the Bartram Trail Early Bird and Florida Horse Park Invite. The lone meet she hasn't won was the Spikes and Spurs Classic where she posted a season best of 18:57.34, only the second time in her career she's dipped under 19 minutes. We caught up with the class of 2015 standout to talk about her start in the sport, the 2014 season, and much more.

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

I have been running since my freshman year of high school. I initially became interested in it because I saw a flyer that advertised joining the cross country program at my school. My older brother ran cross country for a year when he was in high school and I always thought it looked fun so I decided to try it out. 

Do you remember your first real race?

The first race I ever ran was during the summer of my freshman year. It was the Citrus Summer Showdown which is set up like a cross country 5K course. I remember it took me 30 minutes to finish the race. The part that I recall the most was how fun and supportive my team was. It was a true bonding moment and I think that’s what got me hooked to the sport.   

How was your summer training? 

Over the summer we ran tempo runs on Monday mornings and fartleks on Wednesdays. Our recovery runs were on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and Fridays were our long run days. We also got some cross training in throughout the week. On Monday and Wednesday afternoons we went to a crossfit gym and did strength training. We also attended the Appalachian State University’s team camp. Now we are running about 35-40 miles per week.  

Do you do any cross training or specific nutrition plan?

During the summer I do a lot more cross training than during the school year. I would get on the stationary bike about three to four days a week during the summer. During the school year I cross train on Sundays or if I am hurting anywhere I will take a day off and cross train. In regards to a specific nutrition plan I mainly just try to eat healthy foods. I don’t drink soda and I avoid junk food. I also take a liquid iron supplement and multivitamin every day. 

What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout is probably mile repeats. I really enjoy being given a time to hit in the beginning and then giving myself the goal of trying to run faster with each consecutive mile. I also love the fact that after our last mile we cheer on our teammates who are still running as they start to finish. It is always so encouraging. 

Which meets do you plan on attending the rest of the season?
 
We already ran at the Bartram Trail Early Bird invitational, Spikes and Spurs Classic, and our own Florida Horse Park invitational. We will be running in the Mitchell invitational and Land O'Lakes Gator invitational. After that we have the state series.  
 
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?

My favorite course was the at the Alligator Lake Invitational. Trying to determine the toughest course in the state is hard to do because each course has its own pros and cons. In my opinion the state meet course is pretty tough because of the downhill start. 

Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most? 

In regards to my running accomplishments I don’t necessarily have a specific one. My main accomplishment is all the hard work I have put in over the years. Despite the personal hard work I put in I couldn’t have done it without my team. They always support me and each girl on my team is such a hard worker. Watching them train motivates me to accomplish as much as I can not only for myself but also for my team.
 
Do you have favorite race or memory?
 
My favorite race was the state track meet where I ran the 1,600m. It is my favorite because I enjoyed the level of competition and excitement.  It was an overall great experience. My favorite memory is going to Appalachian State University’s team camp this year.  
 
What are your goals this XC season? 
 
My goal this year is to run a PR at the state meet. I look forward to competing for my team and having a great senior season. 

What do you love most about running?

I love so many things about running. I love the fact that there are no ways to cheat. It’s all about how hard you work. I also love my team and the family atmosphere that surrounds us. We work our butts off together and we understand each other’s pain and that creates lasting bonds. Running is also a way I can relax. I love that I can make it competitive or relaxing.   
 
 

The Low Down

We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Audrey. Check out the low down.
 
Do you have a favorite quote?

My favorite quote is "The body achieves what the mind believes.” 
 
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
I always eat spaghetti the night before with my team. I also always race in the same sports bra and socks. The morning of the meet I have to eat a banana and peanut butter otherwise I will feel bad.  
 
What is your favorite food?

I love peanut butter! 
 
What was the last movie you saw?
 
The last movie I saw was Twelve Angry Men. I really enjoyed it and the issues it presented in regards to the judicial system and reasonable doubt. 
 
What shoes do you train/race in?
I
train in Brooks Pure Cadence and Altra Provisioness 1.5 and I race in Saucony Shay XC3 Spikes.  
 
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?

I would love to meet Shannon Rowbury or Jordan Hasay.  
 
What is something most people don't know about you?

I love history with a passion! 
 
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be and why?

If I was stranded on an island I would bring my best friend Jillian so I wouldn’t get lonely, a life time supply of chocolate so we would never get hungry, and a first aid kit in case one of us gets hurt.  
 

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