An Interview with Shea Elmore California Youth Runner

Describe the AAU XC experience and your win at the 2019 nationals.

Leading up to nationals, I felt really good about my training, so I thought my chances to do well were high. The start of the race was stressful because there was a false start, so everyone was on their toes for the second start. The start was on a flat soccer field, but there were a few winding hills and a couple of steep ones throughout the race. I ran a build-up in the second half of the race and finished strong with a kick, nine seconds ahead of second place.

When did you first take the lead?

About half a mile into the race, I took the lead. I started quickly right next to another girl, with the third girl a few seconds behind us. But after half a mile, we separated.

What was the weather and course conditions on race day?

The weather was really nice, 55° (F) with almost no wind and only a couple of clouds. There were only a few mud patches on the course and not much wind.

What have you been doing over the winter since XC? As in your running in general-training?

After nationals, I took two weeks off where I swam and didn’t run. Then I gradually got back to running six days a week, doing some track intervals and longer hilly tempo runs as well as easy paced runs.

Any 5k’s or road runs?

A couple of weeks ago, I ran my first half marathon in 1:36:50. Now that I know how to run a half marathon, I can train for the next one possibly this summer. And, in about two months, I will run a four-mile road race.

When is your first track meet, and what events will you be racing?

My first track meet is a local all-comers meet at the end of February. I will be running the 400m and 800m. Even though the 400m is not my event, I’m using it as speed work for that day. For the 800, since it’s the first one of the season, I’d be happy with a 2:24 or better.

Tell us about your best race ever and the not so great one.

Kyle Peters

My best race was at the 2019 National Junior Olympics for track when I ran the 3000m. In that race, I had a thirty-second personal record and won by about two seconds. The worst race I’ve ever run was during 2019’s school track season. I was about to run the mile when one of the coaches kicked me out of the race because of an insurance paperwork issue. But I still wanted to run a mile for time, so my parents immediately drove me to a different school track meet close by. I jumped out of the car and ran onto the track in my training shoes just a couple seconds before the gun went off. In the end, my time wasn’t very good, but at least I got in a workout!

What are your goals for spring track and Junior Olympics this year?

For the 3000m, I want to be in the top 6 at nationals and get under 10:00 minutes. For the 1500m, I’m hoping to qualify for the finals at nationals and get under 4:45. And for the 4x800, I am working toward making the A team, even though I’m thirteen years old and my club team has some pretty strong fourteen-year-olds.

Tell us about a typical week of training once track season is in full swing for you. Such as miles per week or minutes per day. What does it look like for you?

I will run six days a week, with three of them being hard track intervals, two being easy recovery days, about 4.5 miles, and one being a tempo run with hills, about 5 miles.

Who coaches you?

My coach is Willie Harmatz.

What is the best advice your coach has given you?

The night before the 2019 3000m track nationals, my coach said, “You have the ability to run with the best tomorrow. You just have to decide if you will.”

What motivates you to push through the days when you may want to do something besides train?

Thinking about the rewards that result from hard training really helps motivate me. I say to myself, “by training hard today; you will be faster tomorrow.”

Do you keep a running journal or use an app? And, what are the most important items to keep track of for you.

I don’t use a running journal or an app. I just have a general weekly schedule that I follow.

Is there someone who originally inspired you to be competitive?

My parents have always been runners, so when I was little, I would sometimes go on runs with them. Ever since then, I have loved running and being (jokingly) competitive with my dad.

Do you have a role model that you look up to?

I really look up to Katelyn Touhy. She has multiple national records, won the Nike Cross Nationals three times, and she never gives up even when she’s in a challenging race.

Tell us about your school life. What subjects are you most passionate about?

I love English and writing, it’s definitely my strongest subject. I also enjoy learning and making connections in science. There is always room for you to go above and beyond. Algebra is hard, time-consuming, and moves at a very fast pace, and I don’t really enjoy it either.

Do you follow any pro sports like the NBA?

Since I play tennis, I enjoy watching the USTA and WTA.

Kyle Peters

If so, who is your favorite player?

I love watching Coco Gauff because she is only fifteen years old and can beat professionals who have played tennis for much longer than she has.

Describe yourself in five words:

Diligent, modest, kind, athletic, and passionate.

What advice would you give to other young runners?

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself with running, it doesn’t help. And, if you feel nervous before a race, turn it into excitement and adrenaline.

What are your favorites?

App - Instagram Music - Taylor Swift Running Shoe - Asics Pre-race meal - Two eggs and lots of berries Netflix Series - Glee Color - Pastel indigo Movie - Sixteen candles Last book you read - I Am Malala

Shea’s PR’s

Age 10 800m - 2:49 1600m - 6:20

Age 11 800m - 2:35.6 1500m - 5:15.61 1600m - 5:55.45 8 miles - 1:07:18

Age 12 800m - 2:26.11 1500m - 4:55.69 1600m - 5:15.69

3000m - 10:15.77 kyle peters

Kyle Peters