Daley Cline has been a part of Estero's last two state championships and will be one of the top returners for the Wildcats as they enter the 2014 cross country season. Cline finished sixth at the 3A Cross Country Finals last year and is coming off a track season where she was fifth in the 1,600m at the state meet. See what the junior has to say about her training, why she loves running, and much more in this XC Spotlight.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running for 11 years. I got started by participating in my elementary school's "Panther Run" races. I loved the competitiveness of racing and running felt natural to me. After elementary school I then decided to continue throughout middle school and so on.
Do you remember your first real race?
I would have to say my first real competitive race was in middle school at the Lee County Championships. It was the most competitive race I had ran in with all girls from the county competing.
How is your summer training going?
The first two months of my summer were dedicated to rehabbing my knee. I got into swimming, weight lifting, biking and doing the elliptical since I couldn't run. The last two weeks I've finally been able to go to practice and am doing full distance and speed practices again. Our schedule consists of two long distance days, three speed workouts, and one boot camp workout throughout the week. Overall the team does about 35 miles per week.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is a speed workout at Estero Park. I love the variety of terrain there; hills, sand, grass, and cement. We run distances ranging from 200m to 800m throughout the park, focusing on the hill and sandpit for a majority of the practice. It really prepares me mentally for the hard cross country courses we come across during the season.
Do you do any cross training or specific nutrition plan?
I do weight training and ab workouts in addition to regular practices and swam a lot in the beginning of summer. Nutrition-wise I am not on a strict plan, but love eating healthy. I focus on eating a lot of carbs and protein to fuel myself for early morning workouts.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
Some of the big meets will be doing are the DDD Invite, North Port, Invitational Flrunners.com Invitational, Pre-State, xtates, and either Footlocker or Nike Nationals post season.
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
My favorite course is the Pre-state and States course in Tallahassee (Apalachee Regional Park). I always run good times on that course, and love the scenery. The toughest course I've ran is most likely the DDD Invite, due to having to run the hill and sandpit twice.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most? Do you have favorite race or memory?
Out of all of my accomplishments so far, my favorite was placing 6th last year at the state meet. Since I was ranked 11th, my goal was to place top ten, and so I was ecstatic when I placed 6th. Also, since four out of the five girls ahead of me were seniors, my outcome really motivated me to set a goal to place top three this year at states.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season? What do you look forward to the most?
For the upcoming XC season, I hope to break 18's and dip down into the 17's. I am also striving towards placing top three at states. Our team is also very close this year, so I'm excited for fun overnight meets and team dinners.
What do you love most about running?
The thing I love most about running is the feeling you get after accomplishing one of your goals.
Finish this sentence. Dalley Cline is _____.
Daley Cline is ready to run against the top girls in the state.
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Daley. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote? I have a lot of favorite quotes, but this is probably my all time favorite: "Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know there is something inside of you greater than any obstacle."
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
The night before a race my team always has a team pasta dinner. I eat a ton of pasta and salad and always drink a Gatorade with it. The morning of a race I always eat a bowl of Mini Wheats right when I wake up and then a GU Gel 45 minutes before a race. I always wear the same things and do my hair the same. I'm very superstitious. My dad and I also have a handshake we do before every race.
What is your favorite food?
Hands down pasta, peanut butter, and yogurt.
What was the last movie you saw and what you thought of it?
The last movie I saw was The Purge: Anarchy. I love horror movies so I thought this one was amazing!
What shoes do you train/race in?
I train in the Brooks GTS 14 for distance runs, and for speed I run in Brooks Pure Cadence. For races I wear Nike spikes.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
I actually would love to meet Mary Cain because she is so incredibly talented and such an inspiration.
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