Amanda Perkins is a Junior at Spruce Creek high school in Ormond Beach, Florida. She recently finished 5th at the 4A state Cross Country meet and was the 5th florida girl at Footlocker South with a time of 18:04. She ran 5:02 for the 1600m last track season and is looking to go sub 5 this season. Here is what Amanda had to say about her running.
KB: So Mandy, you finished 5th at the 4A State Cross Country Meet. Did you expect to run as well as you did at Footlocker South?
MP: I was really aiming for a top 30 finish but I was so happy when I saw 18:04 on the clock when I finished. But after I finished and replayed the final 800 meters in my head, I was kicking myself because I knew I was so close to breaking 18 minutes and getting into the 17:00's which had been my goal for the season. I could have shaved off just a few seconds! But my place and time were encouraging and are motivators for me to improve my time and hopefully make top 10 next year with a lot of hard work.
KB: What has your training been like this off-season?
MP: I have been just trying to make sure that I stay healthy and injury free and keep a good base before the real season starts.
KB: What are your goals for this track season?
MP: My goals are to go sub-5 minutes in the mile, hopefully 4:55 or better, and 10:50 or better in the 2 mile. Also, for my 4x800 team, I think a good goal would be if we can pull together we could run a good 9:15 at the least. Im confident in my girls and I know they will put in the work needed to achieve any goal we set for ourselves.
KB: Do you have any plans to run Nike Indoor or Nike Outdoor?
MP: I have plans to run in Nike Outdoor, with my 4x800 team but also this year I would like to go for the mile, too. I had the opportunity to do so last year but I chose to focus on the 4x800 team instead. I think this year I should go for it to become more experienced in such elite races.
KB: I know you are only a junior, but do you have any idea of where you would like to go to college?
MP: I have always wanted to attend college out of state because I'm getting to the point where I need a change of scenery and a fresh start. I love the west and especially California, so I'm looking there. But there are plenty of east coast schools that I have been considering, also. If I did stay in Florida, however, my first choice would be the University of Florida.
KB: Any longterm goals like making it to footlocker or winning state?
MP: Well, sometimes I think winning state in my state class would be more of a challenge than making it to footlocker nationals in some cases! My state class, 4A, is packed with such talented athletes in every event and also in cross country. My main event, the mile, has had so many talented runners and I know this season will be no different. Making it to footlocker would be an excellent opportunity and experience, and I know I will need to put in the work and effort needed to fight for a top 10 spot.
KB: Okay, now for some easier questions. What do you do when your not running?
MP: I'm enrolled in the IB program, so I have plenty of homework each night as well as studying and volunteer hours. But other than that I enjoy music a lot and I play the piano, violin and guitar. I love my friends, too, and I try to hang out with them as much as I can. Things can get busy with running and school and everything else and the pressures can grow on me, but I just remind myself the most important thing is keeping God in my life and He will take care of me through everything.
KB: Thank you Mandy for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck this track season and in the future.
MP: Thank you, and anytime! It was nice talking with you!