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Interval Session #2 - Christine Babcock CA

They knew of Christine Babcock in the Golden State as she worked her 1600 into the 4:40s as a sophomore in 2006, but the laptops of track aficionados all over the country started smoking when the results of the CIF 1600 were posted that June. In a clash for the ages that included Nicole Blood, Annie St. Geme, and Alex Kosinski, it was Babcock that won the day in a blazing 4:41.29.

That Christine’s success was going to carry over into the fall of her junior year was clear when she broke Lauren Fleshman’s course record with her 16:31 on her home course at the Woodbridge Invitational. A string of victories followed, concluding with the D2 State Title in November. Only Jordan Hasay in D4 had a faster time that day. Then came an outstanding junior track season as Christine defended her 1600 title in 4:38.85 and also posted an earlier 10:15.54 3200.

Now she’s finally a senior at Woodbridge (Irvine CA) and, again, the fall has started off with a bang – a 16:05 to smash her course record and win again at her home invitational. But there’s more to Christine than a bunch of great races, and fans are wondering if they’re ever going to see her in a national meet. So what better to do than to pull the dusty flats out of the closet and venture out to do a few quick intervals with the Woodbridge wonder, as SteveU did this week..


1. Congratulations on your fantastic victory last weekend. How did the feeling of winning and breaking your record this year compare to last year?

Thank you. I guess it felt good. It was nice to see that I am still progressing as a runner and that I still can get better. It's funny because everyone always asks me this question, and to be quite honest, I feel no different than I did before the race. Running is my sport, not my life, so I don't put a lot of value in things like setting a course record.


2. Was it exciting, though, to win such a big meet in front of your hometown crowd and school? Were you nervous beforehand? Did you get a ton of fan support?

It was nice to be able to run at my school because I had a ton of fans come out and support me. Things are always easier when you know that your family and friends are out there supporting you. The noise level was insane whenever I passed and that always gets your heart pumping. Yes, I was nervous beforehand, but I think that every runner gets nerves before a race, so it's normal.


3. What were some of the things you did this summer in training that got you to the point where you were ready for another fast and improved start to the season?

I did the same exact things as I did all the previous summers. Maybe I just ran a little faster. I also weight lifted 2 days a week.


4. Christine, I have to ask the question that almost the whole community of elite high school running wants to know: Will you compete in Foot Locker or the Nike meets this year?? Will we finally get to see you in the post-season? And what made you decide in previous seasons not to compete after the state meet?

O, the question of the year!!! I guess you will all have to wait and find out when the time comes. :) Last year, after the state meet (and also after the track state meet), my body was telling me that I was done. Mentally and physically, I was tired and I was ready for a break. I probably could have gone on if I really wanted, but I chose not too and that was completely my decision. Luckily, my coach and my family are very supportive and do not force me to do anything I don't want to do.


5. One thing I've heard about you is that you really value your teammates and that running for and with them is a big part of who you are. Can you talk about that?

Without my team, I would be nothing. There are girls on my team that used to beat me when I was a freshman and, without them, I never would be where I am today. They support me, cheer me on, provide countless moments of comic relief, and put up with my goofy jokes. They are always there for me. It is so amazing to have a wonderful team that is there with you through thick and thin, who you can support and who support you.


6. How have your parents and family inspired and supported your running?

My parents never pushed me into running, although my mom and dad both run, and my sister was on the cross country and track teams. Choosing to run was all my decision and I am certainly glad I chose it. My parents are the best parents I could ask for. They support me in everything and their only goal for me is to do the best that I can do. My older sister, who now runs at Penn State, was a great mentor and role model when I started running. My little sister is always there cheering me on, and to know that I have 4 built-in fans whereever I go is very comforting. My family has also given me my faith in God, and without that, I don't know where I would be today.


7. What are your goals for this fall and the spring of your senior year? And what are your college plans?

My only goal is to stay healthy. If my legs aren't healthy, nothing else can happen. Other than that, whatever else comes is a gift from God. So far, my college plans are undetermined.


8. Finally, what do you really enjoy doing outside of running? Seems like I heard once you were a big trampoline person or something. What are your best subjects in school and do you have a sense what you'd like to study in college?

Yes, I do have a trampoline and it is a blast. Unfortunately, I am grounded from it during my season so I will not be back on it until after cross-country. I like to hang out with my friends and family, go to church, read, watch movies, and go to Disneyland. In school, my best subjects are math and science. I think that in college I would like to study childhood development or something in that range. I love to work with children, so it would be fun to take my passion and turn it into a profession.

Photo by John Oshiro


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