We talked to Grace Blair, who is the #5 top returning girl in 1A Cross Country, and reigning 1A 800 Meter State Champion with a PR of 2:13.70, as well as being part of Oak Hall’s 4x800 and 4x400 Championship teams. She owns a PR of 18:49 in Cross Country, from the FHSAA 1A State Championship in 2014 where she placed sixth. Here’s what she had to say about running and life.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running on a team since sixth grade. I have an older brother who used to run for Oak Hall whose meets I would go to, and since I had always loved running when I was younger, I was very eager to start running on Oak Hall's team after watching his track and cross country meets.
Do you remember your first real race?
My first real race in sixth grade was in Orlando. It was my only JV race, and I ran with my older teammate until about the first mile, and I won by a minute with a 22-something. I was pretty confused the whole time though about how this whole cross country thing worked!
How is your summer training going?
It's going well! Our coach has incorporated some weight room circuits into our training this year along with our normal summer runs, and so far it's been both effective and refreshing to add in some cross training to our program.
What is your favorite workout?
My favorite workout is doing 200's. I love sprint-related workouts to help me improve for my mid-distance races.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
I'm not certain of all of them, but our first this year is a local preseason meet in Alachua at Rembert Farms. As for our first official meet, we are planning on attending the Jim Ryun Season Opener in Lakeland, and later in the season we will also attend Pre-State at FSU.
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
My favorite course is probably the Florida State course up in Tallahassee. It's very beautiful and well suited for races of its size and magnitude with such wide trails and flat roads, but also very true to cross country in the sense that it has a few hills and tricky footing along the way. I think the toughest course I've ever run in the state is a local course at Rembert Farms. It's a race that we run early in the season, and it has some really tough hills, but is also very beautiful as well.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
I think my 800 championship stands out most to me. It's one of my more recent accomplishments, and I think it's required the most patience and hard work out of them, but also had the greatest payoff in my mind.
Has anyone ever "recognized" you for being a good runner outside of a meet?
I have had a few people from my city who were also runners recognize me while I'm somewhere, or while I'm running, but it doesn't happen too often.
What is it like being part of such a strong program at Oak Hall? What did you learn from girls like Brittney Olinger before you?
I've definitely learned a lot of qualities for running from being in the Oak Hall program, such as the dedication needed to commit to practices at all times of the day, and the resolve needed to finish a 5k strong, but I would definitely say that this program has taught me lots about character as well. Being part of this program is very fulfilling due to our accomplishments as a team, but more so than our accomplishments, I'm very proud to be a part of a team that's so close-knit, humble, loyal, and hardworking. Everyone on the team brings some trait to the table, and each girl is a role model to me in some one, not to mention our driven and considerate coach, Coach McTureous. I'm definitely lucky to be a part of such a spectacular program
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
I don't have any set goals in particular as of yet, but as for my season, I am going to try to work on my running mentality so as to better my season through my mindset. As for specific goals, I hope to medal at state again and beat last year's PR, but definitely try to return from state with the team championship above all else.
Are you interested in running at a college level?
As of yet, I'm not certain whether I want to run in college or not, but I'm definitely considering it as an option once I start looking at colleges.
What do you love most about running?
I love the people you meet. Runners seem to generally be good people and you meet such great people at races, running camps, or anywhere you can chat with other runners. I've met a lot of wonderful people through running and it's definitely one of my favorite parts about the sport.
Finish the sentence: Grace Blair is ____.
Grace Blair is ust a small town girl living in a lonely world.
The Low Down
We wanted to get in-depth and personal with Grace. Check out the low down.
Do you have a favorite quote?
I'm a big fan of quotes, so I have a lot, but one that I find helps me before races is one by Christopher Hurley: "Be brave; no one remembers a coward".
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
I like listening to music before I run, but as a team, we have a few rituals. Before our race, we'll all circle up to pray, then spit in the middle and run through the circle (a tradition that had started before any of us had started running yet), then do a funny chant and dance together that helps to lighten the mood before we all get serious for the race.
What is your favorite food?
Sushi!
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
The last movie I saw was Inside Out. I thought it was really cute and clever!
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I love to train in Nike Pegasus, because they're very neutral and perfect for my feet. As for racing, I'll usually stick with a pair of supportive spikes for cross country, and a mid-distance Nike spike for track.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
If I could meet any professional athlete, dead or alive, I'd choose to Steve Prefontaine, due to the momentous effect that he had on the running world, and for his wise interpretations of life.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I'm very involved in my school's music program, and play piano, guitar, violin, and taiko drums.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
A sketchbook, anything that plays music, and my friends.
