Bianca Dinkha
Staff Writer
Graduate student Ashley MacLean came in fifth place at the NACC Conference Championships, acquiring the All-Conference honor of recognition. After staying in tenth place during the first mile she quickly forged ahead, keeping her spot in fifth throughout the remainder of the race.
In an interview with MacLean, she described the process of training for the race and her experience out on the tracks. She mentioned how races can be nerve-wracking, especially the days leading up to them, however, her nerves were put at ease once she remembered to trust her training, and to give it her all. Despite her hurting legs, they managed to make it all the way to the finish line.
MacLean mentioned her amazing support system and owed a great deal of her success to her family, boyfriend, coach, and puppy Mello. “After the race I was super excited and proud of what I had accomplished. It was extra special to share it with my parents who flew in from California to see me run, Michael, and Professor Walstra who spent a lot of time helping to coach me. It was also super fun to cheer all my teammates on as they crossed the line and see their joy as they finished.” She said.
In addition to her rigorous morning training, MacLean spent her afternoons attending classes and her evenings completing coursework. Her busy schedule consisted of 7 a.m. runs, classes from 9-4 p.m. and homework from 6-9 p.m. Her main focus was speed work and prioritizing running on hills.
“Leading up to the race I ran 50-55 miles per week consisting of 2-3 workouts, one long run, and 2-3 easy runs each week. I am a graduate student in the MBA (master’s in business)/RD (Registered Dietitian) program and have rotations and classes all day, so I have been training around my classes and rotations, and most of the time my training is solo because of my schedule.” Said MacLean.
Running is not only just a physical competition. For MacLean, running takes a great amount of mental strength. Knowing that the race will take a toll on her physically, she choses to embrace the pain. The feeling of success and achievement makes the long hours of training and hard work worth it.
Furthermore, MacLean emphasized the importance of staying physically ready for upcoming races. During the season she prepared her body for training by lifting weights, doing yoga and lots of protein smoothies.
This isn’t the end of MacLean’s cross-country career, however, as she plans to continue racing. “I am racing in the Midwest regional race on Saturday November 12 with a chance at qualifying for nationals. I will also be back next year racing with DU again for my final year of cross country. I’m hoping to do some track races and longer road races in the off season as well to best prepare for next season!”
