XC Interview – Leah Seivert, Sibley-Ocheyedan HS

 

 XC Interview -  Leah Seivert, Sibley-Ocheyedan HS

This interview features Leah Seivert, Junior, Sibley-Ocheyedan High School, Sibley, IA.  In 2010 and 2011, Leah was second in the Iowa State 1A Cross Country Championships.  In the 2011 State 1A Track Championships, she was 6^th in the 800m, State Champ in the 1500m, and 3^rd in the 3000m; and 6^th in the Drake Relays 3000m.  Leah’s PR’s are 800m (2:21.89), 1500m (4:50.63), 3000m (10:26.82), and 4000m XC (13:55).

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1. When & how did you get started in cross  country, or generally in your running career?

I was going into sixth grade.  My mom and I saw an ad for a 5k coming in our town, so we decided we would give it a shot together.  We started by just walking and slowly got to running.  Ever since that, I have enjoyed running.


2. Person/people most influential to your success in cross country, or generally in your running career?

I think the most influential person is my dad.  When I first began running, he reminded me I needed to get a run in that day.  He also rode a bike by me while I ran which he does every once in a while now.  He keeps up on all the stats and loves watching me run at meets.
 

3. Your cross country coach(es)?

My cross country coach is Keith Swenson.  He has pushed me to do my best and is always trying to improve his coaching by changing our training to see what works best.

4. Keys to your successful training program?

We do a speed workout called Paavo which I think helps a lot.  You run at a fast pace on the track.
 

5.  Why do you enjoy cross country?

I love going out and running.  I also enjoy all the fun our team has at practice.  We all get along and cheer each other on.
 

6. Your favorite cross-country meet(s)?

I like our home meet because it is cool when you see all the fans from Sibley there.
 

7. Cross country athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against?

I liked competing against Rebekah (Topham, Griswold HS) last year in cross country.  It is amazing seeing all she is accomplishing.
 

8. Your greatest cross country experience in your career so far?

My greatest experience so far was getting runner up two years in a row at state.  Another fun experience was having cross country sleepovers with the team.
 

9. Goals for the 2012 cross country season?

My goals for this season is to stay healthy and see my times about the same or improving from last year.

10. Long-term goals in cross  country, or generally in your running career?

My long term goals for cross country is to make it to state next year too.  I would also like to run in college somewhere.  A running goal I have is to run a marathon sometime in my life.