Junior Katie Kuhn is one of the leaders of a loaded Winter Park squad. Kuhn, was 40th at the 4A Cross Country Finals, but was 14th at the FSU Invitational/Pre-State where she posted a very impressive 18:32.67. If the Wildcats are to win the team title, she will definitely play a large role. See what her training has been like, why she loves this sport, and more in our XC Spotlight.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I’ve been running for about 1 ½ years. I went out for track my freshman year in high school at the encouragement of my mom. Soccer was my only sport until then.
Do you remember your first real race?
Yes. It was the mile. I just remember thinking that the race was finished but it was only ½ done. I was not expecting it to be so hard.
How is your summer training going?
My summer training has been going great. We are working hard. Camp this summer in North Carolina was challenging, but really fun. I’ve run 40-50 miles per week except when I was on vacation.
Do you do any cross training or specific nutrition plan?
I still play club soccer when my schedule allows it. For my food intake, I’m trying to eat more protein.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is mile repeats!
Which meets will you be running in this year?
I’ll be running in the Astronaut Invitational ,a meet in Carrollton, Georgia, Great American, Pre-State, the Metro Conference Championships, and then hopefully post-season. Also, we will be participating in the NXNSE.
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
My favorite course is Chain Of Lakes in Titusville since the course is flat and a nice loop. The toughest course is probably the Florida State course (Apalachee Regional Park).
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most? Do you have a favorite race or memory?
This year I was third in the mile at the FHSAA state meet and PR’d at that race. My favorite memories are just racing with my teammates in cross-country.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season? What do you look forward to the most?
In cross-country, our goal as a team is to win the state championship. I look forward to the post-season and doing well in the southeast race.
What do you love most about running?
It feels good after accomplishing something so challenging.
Finish this sentence…. Katie Kuhn is ______.
Katie Kuhn is funny and hardworking.
The Low Down
Do you have a favorite quote?
When things don’t go right, go left.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
I just tell myself, “less than 20 minutes until the end.”
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is mashed potatoes.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
I saw Sharknado II and I thought it was ridiculous.
What shoes do you train/race in?
Right now I train in/ race in Adidas Boost.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
I'd like to meet Kevin Durant, but only if my brother can come.
If you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be and why?
I would bring PVC pipes to build a raft; pineapples to eat especially since I love them; and flashlight so I could get around in the dark.
More Coverage