Melbourne senior Vanessa Valentine came up just short of a cross country state title last year. Valentine finished second to Dr. Phillip's Bridget Blake in a time of 18:23.13. She also had an impressive track season finishing third in the 1600 and second in the 3200 at the 4A state finals. See what her summer training has been like, where she went for her first running camp, what she expects from the team's move down to 3A and much more in this Cross Country Q&A.
What has your summer training consisted of?
My summer mileage went pretty well. I did right around 550-560 miles so I was averaging 55-60 miles per week, which is about 130 or so more miles than I did last summer. I feel like I can handle it and am confident with that amount. My freshman and sophomore year I would do 40 a week, last year I did 50, and this year I'll do 60 so I feel over time I'll keep improving. I'm good at listening to my body so if it becomes too much I will be able to recognize and adapt to it.
You also went to Warrior Running Camp in North Georgia. What was that like?
Camp was definitely an adventurous experience. It was my first official running camp that I had ever done. We ran several exhilarating trails that trekked up and down through the mountains. We had to be very agile as we were always dodging roots, rocks, and stumps while accelerating down the mountain. Then at the end of our run (or sometimes in the middle) there would be a chilling water fall or creek that we would all jump into to cool off and ice the legs. Some of the runs were treacherous, but they would leave you feeling accomplished. For example, one day my group wanted to do a seven mile trail run so we mapped a path through the directory. Well an hour and twenty minutes later we realized that our run wasn't going to be a sever miler. The trail had been under marked and our run was way over. Honestly, it was one of the best runs of camp and you know what they say: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Overall, camp excited me for the upcoming cross country season. It's my senior year and my final season, and I am ready to give it my all. Camp gave me an opportunity to bond with the girls on my team and lots of other local runners. Especially the Holy Trinity girls, they are awesome.
The last three years you finished 8th, 3rd, and 2nd at states. What are your goals for your senior season?
I am really looking forward to finishing my high school career on a good note. I'm excited to lead my team of young runners and hopefully have the team qualify for state. I'm excited to finally break the 18 minute mark for the 5k and open more doors of opportunity in running. I'm also looking forward to beginning my college search and deciding where I'll spend the next four years of my running and academic life.
What is it going to take to finally get over that hump and win your first state title?
For me to win a state title it's going to be a battle. This year Mel High will be competing in 3A with great teams such as Chiles and Estero (specifically Lily Williams and Kacy Smith). At state I'm going to have toe the line mentally stronger than I have ever been before. All season I'm going to have to train harder, faster, and more than I have before. Those are my keys to victory. Winning the state title is my ultimate goal, but I realize that that is a big feat to conquer so all I can give is my best. If that's what I do at state and it doesn't end in a victory for me I will surely be upset, but life will go on.
As a team you finished 4th, 2nd, and 15th the past three years. What was the difference between last year and the first two years and what are your team goals for this season?
Last year we took a big hit because two of our top four runners (Alexis Beaudoin and Rachel Greer) were injured for the entire season. It was Sam's first year and the rest of the team was filled with several younger girls who just hadn't gained the mileage and race experience yet. We also went through a coaching change so the whole team was trying to adjust to our new coach's style. This year our team will have four seniors; myself, Sam, Rachel Greer, who I really expect to step it up and come back strong this season, and Dara Gyorko (a newbie). We also have Dana Lobmeyer, a junior who has decided to quit soccer and join the cross country team full time, and Molly Delaney and Madi Hetico two sophomores who aren't too serious about running yet, but I definitely see potential in. Overall we have a full Varsity and JV Roster filled with hardworking girls who are definitely aware of the history of Mel High running. I would love to see my team win districts, maybe even regions, and then through it all compete and finish well at state.
You were really close with Elle Baker who graduated. I know you wish you could have sent her out with a state title. Does that motivate you this year to finally bring a state title back to Melbourne?
Elle Baker is one of the most wonderful people I know and I'm very proud to call her my best friend. Last year we were inseparable on the track and off it. We were the dynamic duo: She brought the speed and I brought the endurance. We fueled each others' competitive desire since we never wanted to lose to one another. She brought me so much strength as a runner last season and I would love to win a state title in her honor.
Another one of your team goals was to educate the new girls about the Melbourne tradition. How important is it that they know about the success of teams before them?
The tradition is extremely important to me and I think it's mostly because I got to experience it and live it in my earlier running years. Being on those more successful teams with that tight knit group of girls is what really brought me to love running. I feel like the younger girls are a little more distant from those times because none of them went through the program then and they only had one year under Coach Woodbury. When Coach Woodbury decided to step down he did it in the best way he could. He brought our new coach, Coach Perry, on as an assistant coach at first. Through that transition period we were slowly introduced to his style. Coach Woodbury is the best coach I've ever had so when he told me he was bringing in someone new to replace him who was just as good I trusted him, and Coach Perry has done an excellent job so far.
Melbourne moves down a class from 4A to 3A. What are you looking forward to and what will you miss the most?
We've had a fairly successful program in years past so we plan to roll that into 3A. The team and I are looking forward to the challenge of racing all these new and relatively unknown teams that we haven't raced before. I am particularly sad to say goodbye to 4A though. Over the past couple of years I have enjoyed racing, Mary Kate Ponder, Bridget Blake, Winter Park, the whole Lourdes team and many other 4A girls so it will be a new experience for me this year
Are you brand loyal?
I don't really have a running brand of choice, but right now I'm obsessed with the Saucony Kinvara. They are light weight trainers and I feel more agile when I train in them. They're the best.
What meets are you looking forward to this year?
I am looking forward to the Mt. Dora meet because it's a smaller race and kind of just a tradition for our school to start our season with it. Also, Great American because there's great competition there and it's my favorite course, but you already know that. Finally the state meet because it's always an epic race and I feel as if greatness is radiating off that course every time I run it.
What's your favorite thing about being a runner?
I would have to say my favorite thing about being a runner is just the happiness it brings me. It's a great feeling to wake up every morning, train hard, and experience a sense of accomplishment all through running. It definitely transfers into other areas of my life. I honestly feel that running makes me a better person.
Personal Bests
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1600 Meter Run5:01.75
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3200 Meter Run10:59.62
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5000 Meter Run18:08.25
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