XC Interview – Shannon Gorman

 

 XC Interview -  Shannon Gorman

This interview features Shannon Gorman, junior, Cedar Rapids Washington High School.   After finishing 87^th (4k - 15:20) in the State 4A XC as a freshman in 2010 and 26^th (14:40) a year ago, Shannon looks to challenge at the top in 2012.  She’s already run a PR 14:31.30 in 2012, finishing 2^nd at the Iowa City West Invitational, 9/25; also winning the Linn-Mar Invitational on 9/1.  Shannon’s track PR’s are 1500m (4:53.37, 8^th in State 4A, 2011) and 3000m (10:27.76, 5^th at State, 2011).

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

7th grade- I wanted to do a sport but wasn't coordinated enough to do volleyball, and cross country seemed like a safe, low-contact sport. 

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

Coach Sellers at the Paavo camps in Indiana changed my whole view of running; but if my first coach wasn't so great (Coach Pershing at Springville-Central City), I don't know if I would even be a runner today. 

Your cross country coach(es)?

Madame/Coach Nicol (she's a french teacher).  Our relationship is like mother-daughter (mainly because of my whining); but she's very understanding and truly wants the best out of every single girl on our team.

Keys to your successful training program?

I think that cross-training helps me stay less prone to injury, which is a big deal in cross country.  Also, having a good base to work off of from the summer is essential. 

Why do you enjoy cross country?

All the friends you make along the way, the feeling after running a PR, cheering on your teammates, watching yourself and others improve.... the whole experience.

Your favorite cross-country meet(s)?

Although it's cliché, I really like the atmosphere of the state meet.  Anything can happen.  As for invitationals, I liked running at Pella my freshman year; it was rained out last year but getting drenched during warm-ups was fun. 

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

At a couple meets last year, I pretended I was a Linn-Mar runner because they had such a strong pack... and Allison Gregg and Brianna King from Cedar Falls are possibly the nicest and most encouraging girls I've ever met.  

Your greatest cross country experience in your career so far?

I took a wrong turn at Tuma last year.  I ran a loop backwards so midway I saw the rest of the runners; except everyone else knew where to go.  That was pretty great. 

Goals for the 2012 cross country season?

I'd like to run more aggressively and be more competitive, especially mid-race when my motivation is dwindling. 

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

Sometime in my career, I want to look over everything I'm doing and think, "There's nothing more I could possibly do to improve myself".