Niceville junior Hannah Schneidewind was a key part of the Eagles 2016 state championship team. Scheidewind was tenth overall in 3A and returns as one of the best in the classification. We learn more about how she started in the sport, training, goals and more in this Spotlight Athlete feature.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running in 6th grade when my parents kind of forced me to.
Do you remember your first real race?
Yes, it was the first middle school meet of the season and I was ecstatic when I broke 18:00 in a 2 mile.
How is your summer training going?
Really good! This is the first season in a long time that I wasn't in a boot leading up to the season.
What was your 2016 XC season like?
It was truly incredible. To win state as a team after hardly missing it the year before was amazing. Then on top of that to be top 10 individually was an added bonus.
What's a typical training week like?
Monday is usually long run day, Tuesdays are an easy workout, Wednesdays are recovery, Thursdays are the day we hammer it, and Friday is a short run with strides.
What is your favorite workout?
I really like this workout called 30 30 where we have 30 seconds to go 120 yards and 30 seconds to go 60 yards (jogging). We repeat that for 30 minutes or so, I like that it's kind of a mindless workout that I can see the results of instantly.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
We are going to a meet up in Atlanta on Sept 9th, a few local meets, Alligator Lake, and Pre-State.
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
I really like running on Alligator lake but have grown to love FSU.
I definitely think FSU is the toughest, but I think that's part of the reason I like it. FSU forces you to use strategy but also pure guts.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
I think winning 4x800m state stands out the most. When I crossed the finish line there was no waiting, it was for sure a State Championship. Whereas with cross country we had to wait to be sure.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
To help my team defend our state title and run sub 18:00.
What do you love most about running?
I love the team aspect. Knowing that everyday I am going to see some of my best friends and that when I leave practice any problems I had before are gone.
The Low Down
Do you have a favorite quote?
"I have a plan and it involves winning a lot." - Coach LaFollette
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Since 6th grade I have always listened to "Hall of Fame" by the Script on repeat during the bus ride
What is your favorite food?
I absolutely love pasta.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
Wonder Woman and I loved that it was a bunch of girls kicking butt.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
I've trained in Saucony Triumphs since I can remember. I think I'm on my 8th pair of them. I've always raced in Nikes because they are the only brand I've found that are wide enough for my feet.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
Katherine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon.
What are somethings most people don't know about you?
- After we won state I ate two pieces of pizza from Momos; that's one of my prouder moments.
- Niceville has only won state twice and my mom was on the team the won 21 years ago.
- When my brother graduated I convinced my parents to replace him with a second puppy.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
My dogs, a bible, and a water filter.
