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Bridget Blake is “real excited” for track season and why shouldn’t she be? The Dr. Phillips sophomore is coming off a cross country state championship, as well as her two silver medals on the track in 2010.
“Well, cross country season that was a surprise even to me. I went out there hoping to at least get top ten. I didn’t know I had that in me quite yet. I don’t even really remember what went through my head that race.”
Her freshman season on the track she says was just as surprising. She finished in second place.
“I guess it was I guess it was adrenaline and nerves. I didn’t even realize I was running that fast until I came around the last corner and saw 4:45 on the clock.”
She finished the race in 5:05 nearly seven seconds behind Winter Park All-American Shelby Hayes, who is now running for the University of Florida. Now that Hayes has moved on, Blake feels it’s time for her to carve her own legacy.
“I like the push and competition. I guess I sort of was in Shelby’s shadow. She’s a good competitor and I've learned a couple of different things from her. My mind set is a little different from last year but not in a bad way. I’m more focused this year. I’ve learned a lot more about the sport and my passion for running is just a lot stronger, so I take it more seriously.”
After starring for Freedom in her freshman year, Blake has decided to make the switch to Dr. Phillps for her sophomore season. She says the decision was strictly based on academics.
“I am in a magnet program at DP, the Center for International Studies. I liked the opportunities the program offered like traveling the world and hosting.”
She’s not the only new face to the program; the Panthers also have a new coach, Peter Blount. Blount’s resume includes being on the US National team, the World Cup bobsled team, as well as being named a Florida Dairy Farmer’s Coach of the Year. Blake describes how she has been preparing with her new coach and new team.
“My workouts are good, running a couple a days a week with some cross training as well, core, and a lot of strides and stretches to stay loose. We have hard days and recovery days. He knows what he is doing even if it seems crazy.”
Blake admits she won’t be able to slip under the radar this year and will have stiff competition from the likes of Shelby Davidson, Kacy Smith, and teammate Dana Dempsky. She plans to compete in the 4x8, 1600, and 3200 and has high expectations.
“Goals, well sub 2:20 split in the 4x8, 4:58 for the 1600 and 10:35 for the 3200.”
Does she prefer cross country or track? The answer for her was a no brainer.
“Track for sure. I love them both but track is my favorite.”
Personal Bests
1500 Meter Run
5:00.72
1600 Meter Run
4:57.07
3000 Meter Run
10:48.70
3200 Meter Run
10:59.20
5000 Meter Run
17:45.16
800 Meter Run
2:20.93
Getting To Know Bridget Blake
If you we're a shoe what kind would you be and why? “I would be a running shoe because that is all I ever really wear and all I’m ever allowed to.”
Last movie you saw and what you thought of it? “Inception. It was awesome, a little confusing, but amazing.”
What's on your iPod right now? “I’m listening to my iPod right now. I’m listening to Young forever by Jay-Z. It’s a good song but I like all sorts.”
Three things people might not know about you: “People might not know I love to go on adventures. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are my favorite but without the jelly. I’m learning to play piano. I love it so far. Also my teammates and "brothers and sisters" from camp are like my family.”
Best advice anyone has given you: “Well, recently this is hard to explain but to be efficient in everything you do so you can waste your time where you want to. An example is to pay attention in class so later you don’t have to make up that time studying instead you can do something you want to do to "waste time". Also, success goes where it’s invited and you never know what your best is until you achieve it, my middle school coach told me that once.”
Final thoughts: “I hope everyone has a good, healthy, track season.”
