Holy Trinity senior Samantha Folio has made the state meet for the Tigers since she was a 7th grader. In the past six years, Folio placed in the top 25, five times, and was a part of multiple state title teams. On the track, she was fifth this spring in both the 1,600 and 3,200m at the 1A state meet. We caught up with the 1A state leader to talk about her summer training, the 2016 season, what Holy Trinity has meant to her, and much more.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running cross country and track in seventh grade, but I really began "running" when I was in elementary school. My elementary school had a little track program that practiced only twice a week, three weeks out of the year in preparation for the Hershey Track meet. We also always ran a mile during our P.E. class. I knew I loved running when I was only one of the few who never dreaded or opted out of it.
Do you remember your first real race?
My first HT race was the 2011 Wickham Park Jamboree. Since it was a pre-season meet we did not have to wear uniforms. Instead, we wore wacky starred spandex. I remember that before this race I had ran barely under 27 minutes in a road race. I opened up my HT season with a time in the 24 minutes and earned the 10th slot on varsity. Since I was new, I had no idea what varsity meant. Ever since then I have competed on our varsity team.
How was your summer training?
My summer training went well. I feel that this summer was the best I have ever had. Our girls team and a couple of runners from other schools rented a cabin in Asheville, NC. We ran on tough terrain, which made us feel very Floridian.
This spring on the track you finished fifth in both the 1,600 and 3,200. How has that speed work helped you this season?
Last year's track season will help me tremendously with my XC season. I have always known that I could run that fast, but you are your own enemy. Since track, I have gained the confidence that I needed and I am looking forward to this XC season.
(Photo by Chris Tucker)
You started out the year with two wins; Wickham Park XC Jamboree and then the Deland Invite. Both times were in the low 19's. Where would you say you are at compared to this point of the season last year?
For me the races went well. I have always been a pack runner, and you cannot always rely on others to run what you want to run. Those races allowed me to know that I am capable of setting my own pace, and not rely on the pack. I believe that compared to last year, I am more fit and ready for the season.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is 90s hard, 15s stopped, for 3 miles. I enjoy this workout because you run about 3k pace. This workout allows you to run fast and still have volume.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
This year I will be running at FSU, UF, and Great American.
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
My favorite course is Great American. I love that the first 800 meters are downhill. The course tests your mental toughness by having you climb up that same 800m hill twice. I think the toughest course in the state is UF. Running on a golf course is hard. Last year we ran on the course after it had rained the night before. This left the ground very spongy. On top of that, there are mini hills throughout the course.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
My greatest accomplishment is being the captain of my team. I was named captain in 9th grade, and I have been captain ever since. I am proud that at a young age, I was able to have the responsibility of guiding my team. I feel that over the years I have grown into a person that not only my parents can be proud of, but I can as well.
(Folio finished second at the Holy Trinity Cross Country Classic recently in 19:07.00, her second fastest of the year. Video by Billy Simpson)
You've been at Holy Trinity your whole career. When a lot of your teammates transferred, you stuck with the team and the program. Was that a hard choice for you?
Holy Trinity has been a second home to me since I was three years old. What was hard was seeing a lot of my friends leave, and others not accepting my reasoning to stay. I feel that the whole ordeal has made me a stronger person, and has given me a new perspective on life.
What has HT meant to you?
HT has meant a lot to me. Growing up at HT has taught me numerous life lessons and given me skills to thrive. Running at Holy Trinity has taught me to persevere and to have courage.
What are your goals for your senior cross country season?
My goal this season is to continue the improvements that I have experienced during track season. Also, for our team to keep improving and to run at state. We have a lot of young runners on the team, and I am excited to see them drop their times every week.
What do you love most about running?
What I love most about running is that it is the one part of my day that I am alone with my thoughts. Whether it is about the upcoming test I have later in the day, or the song I just listened to on the radio, it is my time of day. Also, I love my team. I love how wacky and fun they are. For some reason, they are always very awake at 6:00 am in morning, and they brighten up your day. We have a really great team this year, and we are always having fun.
Finish the sentence Samantha Folio is ________.
Samantha Folio is driven and hardworking.
The Low Down (Fun Questions)
(Photo by Jason Beede)
Do you have a favorite quote?
Extraordinary people are those who willing prepare themselves to do what ordinary people cannot.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Before every race I will eat a bagel and Nutella. I always wear the same hair ties the whole season. If one breaks, I have to find an identical replacement. Also, I always have to put the timing chip on the left foot, even though I am a righty.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is strawberry shortcake. Specifically, I love the shortcake part.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
The last movie I saw was Suicide Squad. I liked the movie because it was very action packed and it had a lot of parallels to two TV shows that I watch on The CW.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I train in the Brooks Launch, and run in Nike Victorys.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
I would love to meet either Galen Rupp or Jenny Simpson. They are very inspirational runners who have defied the odds, and proved that the United States is still home to great distance runners
What is something most people don't know about you?
I have traveled to 44 states in the US, and 16 countries abroad.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
If a thing can be a person, I would want Bear Grylls by my side, as well as a knife and a flint.
