DyeStatCal Female Athlete of Week September 10/20 - 24
Alison Costello (Esperanza, Anaheim) - Southern Section

Pictured above during her big Orange County Championship win by Bill Leung, Alison Costello is the latest star out of the fine Esperanza HS program in Anaheim -

DyeStatCal Athlete of the Week – Alison Costello (Esperanza, Anaheim)

Returning this season as one of the leaders of the State's to teams at Esperanza HS in Anaheim, Alison Costello has steadily improved to the point where she has gone from a Regional to National level star, with a fine 9th place finish in the late September Great American Cross-Country race in North Carolina that had her finish among many of the nation's elite preps. She has had some great races with local rival Bethany Nickless (Fountain Valley), and looks forward to some good efforts for herself and her team for the remainder of the season. Her success is the result of a fine training program from Coach Rich Medellin at Esperanza, with her answer to some of our questions below--

Congratulations – Best of Luck Alison
Doug Speck – DyeStatCal.com

1) Briefly summarize your season of multi-team races so far?

1) Woodbridge invitational was a good start for theseason. I was happy with my time andexcited to start the season running under 18 minutes. The Great American race at North Carolina gave me a boost inconfidence, I love running in big races, especially when the competitors arethe best in the nation. I was excited about Sunset League Prelims, but didn’t run very well. Getting second helped my team take first andI was happy with that. I was nervous and anxious entering the Orange County Championships. I knew my hard work would eventually pay off, but I wasn’t sure when. My goal was simple, run fast. I wanted to be happy with my race,whether I won or not. I was extremely happy with my finish. It was very special for me. Winning the team title made theday even better, I’m just glad I helped my team win the championship.

2) Why do you think there has been the move from near the front to the very front of the pack with some of the best runners in the nation?

2) I think three years of running is paying off, hard workand dedication as well as my wonderful teammates helped motivate me to movecloser to the front pack. Staying close to the front-runners seems easier than lingering in the middle of the pack. My goal is always to follow everyone else and make a move when it feels right.

3) How did you approach this season leading up to it different than, say, last Fall's cross-country season?

3) Approaching my final cross country season, I knew training hard would be crucial to a successful season. I go into races and try to stay close to the front pack. My goal is always to run fast, no matter where I place. In every race I think about how much hard time I’ve put In and I think of how hard I’ve worked.

4) How much running did you do during the summer?

4) This summer I ran with teammates as well as my Coach. I tried to put in more than five miles every day and do long runs a few times a week. This summer my persistent teammate Candice Procter called me every morning and motivated me to run with her. I'm very thankful for her help, we trained hard and had fun.

5) How much strength do you draw from the traditional strength of the Esperanza running program?

5) I’ve had an amazing 3 years so far at Esperanza, Every year I’ve had an opportunity to train with talented runners. Last year I loved training with ShalicePugmire. Running with her in practice made me better. I watched her run and it was so obvious how bad she wanted to win, I’ve decided I want to be like her, I’m willing to work hard for my goals. Esperanza's running program is always strong because the girls are always willing to work hard and Coach Medellin is there to make sure we do! Coach Medellin is very supportive yet demanding.

6) What is your favorite kind of workout?

6) My favorite workouts are speed workouts. Every week we get pumped before we speed,whether it’s 800’s or tempo runs. I take practice very seriously. Running well in practice always gives me confidence before a race.

7) What kind of workout do you like the least?

7) My least favorite workouts are hill workouts. They are always grueling and painful but always satisfying when you’re done.

8) What are some of the goals that you have for yourself this year?

8) This year I’ve set many goals for myself. Halfway through the season I’m very happy with what I’ve done so far and in no way satisfied. Every race has given me more confidence for the rest of theseason. In my final season of cross-country I hope to place in the top five atCIF finals as well as top five in The State Finals. I also hope to lead my team to a state title. Most of all I want to be satisfied and happy with my season.
My main focus is on the end of the season. I hope to do well at Footlocker.

9) What advice would you have for a beginning runner?

9) I would tell a beginning runner that running is nevereasy. Running is an incredibly difficult sport, that’s why winning feels so good. The most important thing is staying positive. Looking back, I’ve always run best when I’m happy and positive. Working hard and having fun is the key.

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