Bryce Seymour is one of the top female cross country runners in Central Florida. After finishing 13th at the 4A state meet for Hagerty High School, Seymour has transferred to 1A Circle Christian for her junior year. So far in 2011 she has competed in three meets finishing at the top of the podium in two of those, and second in the other. See how she prepared in the summer, why she made the move to Circle Christian, and her goals for the upcoming season in this Cross Country Q&A.
How did you get started in cross country?
I started running in 7th grade. My sister was on the high school cross country team and she got me interested in running. I asked Coach Brett Hamilton who was the Hagerty boys head coach at the time, to run with me. He was very encouraging and helpful.
This summer you worked out with Trent Sanderson and Team Prep USA in Colorado. What was that experience like for you?
I attended Team Prep USA's summer running camp this year. Coach Trent Sanderson is extremely knowledgeable and inspiring about what he does. I've learned several things while at camp. A couple of those being not to be afraid to fail, hard work always pays off, never doubt yourself, and always follow your dreams whether it's in running or life. It was nice getting to know and meet some other local runners outside of competition mode. We were able to work together as a team and inspire each other. The altitude was a bit of a challenge, but after 40 days it feels normal. I feel it was extremely beneficial in my training and I am reaping the benefits now.
You begin your junior year with a runner-up finish and then an individual title. What was your mindset going into those races?
My season has been going very well so far. My first race was at the Trinity Prep Invitational. The first race is always the hardest because you have to get back into the racing mindset. I ran an 18:50 there which was a new cross country personal best at the time. I was pleased with my time and thought the race went very well. The next week I ran at the Deland Invitational. I was really looking forward to this race being that this course has been a nemesis since I broke my foot there freshmen year. My goal was to use this race as a good tempo run and go for even or negative splits. I ended up running a 18:25 and winning.
The first two years of your running career were at Hagerty and now you are running for Circle Christian. Why did you decide to switch schools?
As much as I loved the cross country program at Hagerty and the team I was also looking for something that was a good fit academically for me. As a Junior in high school Circle offers me the opportunity to take on more dual enrollment classes at Seminole State College. Additionally I am able to take some traditional high school classes in a non-traditional environment which I feel works better with the college class schedule I have taken on. As much as I hated leaving the experienced coaching staff at Hagerty I also had to think about what I wanted academically and what would benefit me when it came time to fill out college applications. After working out with my new team this week I am looking forward to an exciting season with them. They are a great group who works really hard and are extremely close.
What does your training consist of?
I am a high millage and intensity kind of runner who can't skip a day or becomes extremely grumpy. I have three main workouts throughout the week which I general do outside of practice. They are a long run, a tempo run, and then some sort of speed workout. We have practice at Circle Christian four days a week. I try to run with the other girls as much as possible to build a strong team. That is what Circle is all about.
When you aren't running what are you doing?
I am either eating, napping, doing school work or hanging out with my little brother.
What are three items you can't live without?
Well first off, food. I love every type of food (except meat because I am a vegetarian) and get really cranky when I am hungry. Next my running shoes because I need them to run. I am not a barefoot runner. Lastly, my cell phone because that's the only way you can contact people these days and everything is on my phone.
Are there any meets in particular you are looking forward to this season?
I am looking forward to flrunners, Pre-State, State and Footlocker because they are all big meets with great competition.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. Even though it is more of a quote it is one of my favorite things anyone has told me.
Personal Bests
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1600 Meter Run5:22.26
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3200 Meter Run11:30.58
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5000 Meter Run18:26.00
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More Coverage
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Seymour, Teixeira Victorious at Deland Invitational (Article) Peter Licari leads for 2.5 miles before being overtaken by speedster Otneil Teixeira with 600 meters to go. Otneil wins in 16:23. Bryce Seymour shot out from the gun and never looked back, winning with a time of 18:25. Spruce Creek boys win, but Hagerty upsets the Creek girls. - 2011-09-17 12:33:00
