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Week of
September 24th-29th, 2007 A very impressive early winner in the series of Varsity contests at last weekend's Stanford Invitational as that contest worked its way up from Division V to Division I during the day was Sarah Sumpter of Healdsburg in the North Coast Section in the Girls Division IV race. With a group of twenty-three teams in the field and a number of fine individuals who had met with some solid big-meet success already this Fall, the sunglass wearing Sumpter threw caution to the wind and challenged those stars to come out and run her down as the quick starting Greyhound athlete raced away early. After a summer of high mileage chronicled by Joe Hartman in a late summer interview, one may have wondered how much snap the Sonoma County star would have in her stride after a month of fall racing. The question was answered in a very affirmative manner as the Stanford 5k event wore on, as the smooth, powerful striding Sumpter raced away to a forty-five second victory over Jennifer Bergman (Valley Christian, San Jose) and the field in what would turn out to be the Golden State's quickest Girls' clocking of the day. The very articulate Sumpter has this all very well thought out, as she took time below to answer some questions for us as our DyeStatCal Female Athlete of the Week. One senses that this is just one of many superior efforts that will grace the Fall campaign for the impressive winner from this past weekend. Thanks Sarah DyeStatCal - Great run at Stanford where you ran away from some good people early and raced a fine 17:50 winning Division IV clocking. Looking back, how did you feel during the race, and where would you rank it in quality of all the races you have run so far? Sarah Sumpter - I felt absolutely exhilarated during this race, and though I certainly worked hard, I came across the finish line with more excitement than tiredness. I’ve come in top rank (2nd and 1st) in the two races my team has attended so far this season. Both were invitationals/openers for teams in my area. DSC - What was your plan and strategy in the Stanford Meet, and how did it play out? SS - I honestly entered this race with the goal of grabbing the highest spot in the pack that I could and just going for it from there on. It’s not my typical approach for a shorter race, but I’d say it played out pretty well. DSC - At first glance, the Stanford course seems
like a nice meandering, relatively flat, nearly all
grass course in a pleasant country club setting. Is
it in reality a much tougher course (?), and describe why (most
fans are not able to hike back on the back part of the course and view what is there)-- DSC - With a win at Stanford and the fastest California time of the day you are considered in a different light by many who follow the sport now. What are your thoughts on your new status? SS - Mostly I feel pretty humbled by the attention. I’ve made a name for myself locally over the past year or so, but to be recognized state-wide is something I didn’t quite expect. I admit, a certain thrill comes with it, but I don’t want to get bigheaded about it either. DSC - You talked in an interview this summer about some pretty high mileage that you were doing mixed in with some longer distance races. How has your training been adjusted now that the 5k high school running season is going along? SS - In terms of mileage, I’m not putting in around 100 miles like I was during the summer, but rather about 70-80. Most of the training we do now focuses more on intensity and speed, which I actually find refreshing at times. DSC - Some would say the high mileage that you did this summer might "burn someone out." What is your response to such comments? SS - I certainly don’t think the type of mileage I do/did is for everyone. Each runner has different strengths and needs, and I just happen to be one of those who enjoys and handles distance well. As long as I make sure to get the proper rest, nutrition, and limit myself when I think I might be on the verge of an injury or could just use a day of rest, I’ve felt great. DSC - What advantages do you think there are to being a long distance runner in an area that is maybe a bit away from the large population areas of major cities? SS - Of all the benefits, the difference in terrain is probably the biggest. There are a lot more open trails, hiking trails, off-roads, and challenging natural landscape than I think you could find in a large city. For me, half the thrill and the sense of accomplishment of long distance isn’t just the mileage, but the test of my endurance vs. the flow of the land I’m running on. DSC - No discussion of North Coast Section or Sonoma County League running can exclude Jacque Taylor of Casa Grande from the conversation. With the two of you now being honored as State Runners of the Week you have a rather select level of competition locally. Tell us a bit about your rivalry and what races the two of you have coming up? SS - I wouldn’t so much call it rivalry as friendly competition. I’ve only gotten to briefly meet Jackie, but I’ve seen her passion and enthusiasm for this sport and it’s honestly refreshing – it reminds me that when the grit and competition of this sport melts away, there’s a love for what we do that keeps us runners going. I really admire that about her, and wish her well if I get the chance to see her at Mt. SAC and later when my team visits the Casa Grande home course on October 24th, as well as SCL in November. DSC - What kind of workouts do you think do the best job of getting you ready for a 5k race such as Stanford? SS - I think a lot of the tempo runs my team did over the summer, as well as the speed-interval and speed-hill workouts we are currently doing in season, have probably helped the most in preparing me for races with the same type of competition as Stanford. DSC - Some quick questions: DSC - last book read-- SS - Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe DSC - last movie went to or rented to watch-- SS - The 300 (Only saw the first 20 minutes or so of it, though) DSC - store where we find you if you have some extra money-- SS - Borders or BestBuy (books and music!) DSC - favorite class-- SS - My absolute favorite classes have always been art, English, and history. DSC - least favorite class-- SS - Anything to do with mathematics, especially now that I’m in AP Calculus. DSC - hero(s)-- SS - It might embarrass him for me to say this, but my fellow teammate and the captain of our boys team, Vojta Ripa, is one of my biggest heroes when it comes to running. He puts his heart into everything he does, whether he is in competition or blazing through a killer workout. He never gives up or gives in, and I’m always trying to catch up to him! And I couldn’t talk about heroes without bringing up my mother. Her unwavering support, her love for helping others and embracing her community, and her willingness to put up with a crazy, running-addicted 17 year-old never cease to amaze me. She’s my biggest fan, plain and simple. DSC - most important factor(s) in deciding on college for running/schooling-- SS - I would really like to attend a school with the most challenging level of competition I can get, and that’s a big factor I keep in mind when looking at schools. But I also have a big passion for art, mythology, history, and English, as well as psychology, and I want to make sure that wherever I end up going to school, I can pursue those subjects on top of my athletics. DSC - in ten years we will find you-- SS - Running marathons, hopefully succeeding as an
art therapist and an artist, Thank you so much for your interest, --Sarah Sumpter-- |
