Interview - Rachel Bryan (Laguna Creek, Elk Grove) - by XC Analzyer

Interview - Rachel Bryan (Laguna Creek, Elk Grove) - by XC Analzyer

Rachel Bryan

My first duty of the year was to interview one of the top returning female athletes in the state of California and one of the nicest athletes you will meet on the course. Despite an injury during track, Rachel was able to overcome this injury and make an appearance in the state championships. Not only that, she finished second in 10:35.07, just 7.75 seconds behind first place Claire Rethmeier. As the XC Analyzer Female Athlete of the Year last year, Rachel Bryan will appear to have challengers, but will stand as my favorite for a repeat as the XC Analyzer Female Athlete of the Year! Best of Luck!

How excited are you about this season?

I'm really looking forward to competing at the end of season, particularly the state meet. It's my last year, so I hope it doesn't go by too quickly.

How has it been coming back from an injury in track, getting back into stride and now heading into the new cross country season?

It was difficult to condense my track training time in half, but I'm grateful that I even got to state at all! Injuries are frustrating, but I think it's those kind of things that make one appreciate running even more. XC is going well.

What focuses/goals do you have for this upcoming season?

Enjoy it, especially since it's my last XC season in high school. I would like to have a strong season, so I'm working hard to achieve that.

What race are you looking forward to the most and why?

I would love to go back to Footlocker Nationals again because that was such a wonderful experience. The West team was so tired by then, so I'd like to time it so that I'm not so worn down by that time; I'd like to know how competitive I can truly be there.

After you graduate, do you have any plans set for college or are you still narrowing down those choices? If so, do you plan on continuing your running career?

I'm narrowing down my college choices, but I do know that running will definitely continue to be a large part of my life. I certainly plan to compete in college.

Did you approach this summer of training different than the past?

Not too much. I still built my base so that I have a strong foundation to build on throughout my season.

What has been the best moment for you so far in your running career?

My best moment would have to be my Sophomore track season (ironically, since I definitely favor XC) at the state meet. I chose this moment only because that's the happiest I ever felt finishing a race, since I really surprised myself. A close second would be at the Mt. Sac XC Invite my Junior year. I knew I could win if I really wanted to, but I was sick so I didn't know how well my race would go.

If you could send one message to the rest of the runners in California, what would it be?

Be thankful for this California weather! (yeah, it gets hot - but it could be a lot worse!)

Thank you for your time and best of luck during this season!