Of the seven meets Gulliver Prep's Natalie Varela competed in she won five, was runner-up at the FLRunners.com Invitational Race of Champions, and 4th at the 2A Cross Country Finals. We catch up with her in our latest Spotlight Athlete feature.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running for 4.5 years. I was training for the U.S Jiu Jitsu Championships at Tropical Park when I saw Miami Elite track team training. I asked them if i could train with them . Coach Danny Aguas said sure and the rest is history. FYI, I won the US championships a week later.
Do you remember your first real race?
Yes, Sept. 27 2013, the FLRunners Invitational 14. I had two months of training. I finished in 8th place with a time of 13:07 and got smoked by Rafaella Gibbons.
How is your summer training going?
Real good . I just got back from Clermont where I was training with Nicole Matysik from Key West and the St Brendan girls.That's whats great about this sport these girls are in our districts yet we are friends on and off the field.That says a lot about that program and Coach Carlos Maymi. We often do our long runs together at Key Biscayne or Everglades National Park. That being said I haven't ran a time trial yet so don't know what this year has in store for me .
What was your 2016 XC season like?
It started great. I ran a PR at the FLRunners.com Invitational of 17:46, but had some issues late inthe year. My grandfather who was my biggest fan was ill. He passed away this January and I had a small hamstring twitch at states.I was bummed out with 4th place but 2A is crazy talented. I decided not to run at Nationals in order to heal up for track season.
What's a typical training week like?
Monday we do an easy run. Tuesday I run with a little tempo. Wednesday is an easy run around 7:45 pace. Thursday is some speed work. Friday 30 minute recovery run or day off, Saturday long run at key biscayne , tropical park , or the everglades with my friends. Sunday beach time.
What is your favorite workout?
I love the long runs with my friends, the view over the Key Biscayne bridge is spectacular.
Which meets will you be running in this year?
The only one that I'm sure off is the King of the Hill Invitational at my home field at Tropical Park. My grandmother will be there in place of my grandfather. That was the last race he attended.I hope I can defend my title in his honor.
Do you have a favorite course? What do you think is the toughest course in the state?
Tropical Park because it's close to home and my grandparents and family can attend. The toughest is Larry & Penny. It's so hot and humid in Miami and there is no shade.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
In track it was winning the 1,600 last year at UF and in cross country it was running my PR last year at the FLRunners invitational.
What are your goals for the upcoming cross country season?
Same as every year to win it all. Whether I do or not is a different story. Hey, no one trains to come in second.
What do you love most about running?
The challenge .
The Low Down
Do you have a favorite quote?
Yes. Those who train like sheeps get eaten by wolves...I'm no sheep.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
I always pour a little water on my head before a race.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
Dunkirk. It was one of the best movies ever.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
My trainers are Nike Pegasus 33. I race cross country in Nike Zoom Matumbo 2 , and run track in Nike Zoom Victory.
What professional athlete would you like to meet the most?
Shaq, I already did . He's so funny.
What are some things most people don't know about you?
I was a Jr. Olympic Judo Gold Medalist and Jiu Jitsu World Cup Champion.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
Phone, food, and water in that order.
