The 2016-2017 school year has provided some great highlights in both cross country and track across the Sunshine State. In the coming weeks many of our seniors will head out to start their college careers both athletically and academically. We wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature and say thank you for your support over the years.
Today we salute Plant senior Nadia Stratton. Stratton was 15th at the 4A Cross Country Finals in her final high school season as well as a state qualifier in the 3,200m.
What was your most memorable race/moment?
Probably this past FSU Relays when I raced the 3200. It was my first big race of the season and I was super pumped to run a fast time. I had written the splits for 11:04 with the thought of "ehh probably not, but we'll see." I felt great throughout the race. I negative split the miles and kept passing girls right up until the very end. I ended up not looking at my hand at all during the race. When I saw the time 11:03, so close to 11 minutes, I was ecstatic! I knew it was going to be a good season.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
My biggest competition would definitely be my teammates. We would always push each other to do better during practices and races. Also, the amazing runners in the Tampa area served as great competition. I don't think I was ever in race where I wasn't racing at least one girl from one of the many talented teams of Wharton, Steinbrenner, or Riverview, just to name a few.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
After my senior cross country season, I told myself I wanted to break 11 minutes in the 3200 by the end of the track season. I told my coach; he got a good laugh out of it at first because my PR at the time was 11:30, but he soon recognized my determination and willingness to put in the work. So, going into the state meet, I was happy to achieve my goal of breaking that 11 minute barrier in my second track season. It's always rewarding and relieving to achieve a goal that you initially think is out of reach, but with the right mentality and training, that goal becomes attainable.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would have joined cross country and track my freshmen year instead of my junior year. No doubt about it. It would be nicer to have more racing experience before heading to college.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Probably pacing myself in some of my cross country races. There's definitely an art to pacing and unfortunately I learned the hard way. I had two incredibly embarrassing races back to back, during my senior cross country season. Going out too hard the first mile, coupled with hydration issues did not bode well for me in the last mile. Especially in a state as hot and humid as Florida, being properly hydrated is so important.
What will you miss the most?
I'll miss the Saturday morning long runs on Davis Island and daily training runs on the world's longest continuous sidewalk, Bayshore Blvd. I'll miss the four hour road trips up to Tallahassee for Pre-State and States. I'll miss my 4x800 relay team! And of course I'll miss my coach (who is ALWAYS right) and his New Yorker attitude.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Definitely focus on the little things that will make you better and stronger. Do your pushups, planks, dynamic stretching and drills. I truly believe doing the smaller things after every run helped me improve my fitness and stay injury free in the 2 years that I've been running. Also, listen to your body and don't be afraid to take recovery days. Dream big and never settle!
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I was very fortunate to have a coach as knowledgeable and successful as him. Coach Harrison has a legitimate passion for running and believes in the potential of all his runners. His encouraging words got me through all the tough speed workouts and races. His ability to have us peak at the right time is like a sixth sense. My coach definitely made me a runner for life.
What are your college plans?
This fall, I will be studying environmental and sustainability sciences at American University in D.C. I will be running cross country and track there as well!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
Thanks to my teammates and coach! Thanks to my dad for being my running buddy!Thanks to FLrunners for their amazing coverage!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
To any high school vegan/vegetarian athletes out there, definitely read up and inform yourself on proper fueling for everyday training and racing. There are so many books, blogs and articles dedicated to vegan athlete lifestyles that helped me fine tune everything and help me perform better!
To any high school vegan/vegetarian athletes out there, definitely read up and inform yourself on proper fueling for everyday training and racing. There are so many books, blogs and articles dedicated to vegan athlete lifestyles that helped me fine tune everything and help me perform better!