September
2020
Lindsey Stokes
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself.
A: I go to Maine-Endwell High School and I have lived in Maine, NY almost my whole life. I am going into my senior year of High School. Right now I am focusing on what is most important to me at the moment which is summer training, family and researching colleges.
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Q: How long have you been running and how did you get started?
A: I have been running since 7th grade Track and Field. I was pulled up for my 8th grade Cross Country season and was placed almost immediately on the varsity team. I have been running ever since. I got started with running when my club soccer coach said I should try out running because as I wasn't so great with the ball, however, I could run up and down the field the entire game without getting tired. Also, I was inspired by my older brother to start running.
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Q: Would you rather run with a group or alone? Trails or road?
A: I would much rather be in a group or with at least one other person while on a run. Running alone is so boring to me, I like to listen to people talk or talk to them. But this past year, because of obvious reasons, I haven't been able to run with anyone. Also, on hard days and even the easy days we push each other. As for roads vs trails, I'm not sure if I have one that I like better than the other. I run on roads most of the time just because that's what my team has always done in practice. But running on trails is pretty much what cross country races are. I haven't really ran on trails except for cross country races.
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Q: What is your favorite distance or race or running gear?
A: I would have to say either the 1500 or the 2k steeplechase is my favorite race. I’m more of a mid-distance kinda gal so, track is totally my thing. Plus there aren't any hills on a track. Cross Country, for me, is not as enjoyable. As for running gear, I have been wearing the Hoka Clifton Edge and I love them. I mostly wear Nike apparel because I find that it’s the most comfortable. After every run I have a Gatorade and sometimes before a race if I’m feeling a little too hungry I have a packet of gummies for some sugar.
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Q: What's the most rewarding thing about running and how do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
A: The most rewarding thing is probably seeing all of your hard work paying off. Seeing yourself get that PR you have been totally killing yourself for in training. Seeing yourself improve to such a level that you would never see yourself being in. I stay motivated to run by the people around me. During the season it is much easier to stay motivated because you have that next race to see how far you have come and how you have been doing training wise. Also, my teammates always help me stay motivated. Not having a Track season and no one to run with this past year has made it so hard to get myself out there because at this point I’m thinking, “what am I even doing this for?”. I’d say this to my parents and they would say to look back at all of the things I have accomplished, all of the things I have worked for and say “why would you throw this all away just because you don’t WANT to run?”.
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Q: What is your favorite running memory and any goals for the future?
A: I don’t exactly have a specific memory that is my absolute favorite, however, I would have to say that it doesn’t involve running at all but rather the people and friends you meet from the sport itself. After you are done running for the day and the stress is gone of having to perform, hanging out with your teammates and cheering on the rest of the team, the bus rides to the meets, and seeing your teammates running their PR and everyone getting so excited for them. Those are the memories that will stick forever. My goals for the future would have to be going to New Balance Nationals again (if it’s not cancelled). I’d love to get on the podium this next Track season. Also, I’d like to break 19 in the 5k for cross country and break 7 in the 2k steeplechase.
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Q: Who inspires you most?
A: I would have to say my brother, Parker, inspires me the most. Seeing him work as hard as he does even now, when he doesn't have a cross country season, he still gets out there and runs everyday. I can’t say I have been as good about getting out there as him but when he goes out there while he knows he doesn’t have a season anymore, it gives me no excuse not to try.
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Q: What advice do you have for new runners?
A: My advice for new runners would be to stick with it, even when times seem tough. It has helped me through so much in my life and it will continue to do so. If you aren’t the best on the team, don’t let that stop you from working as hard as you can. Let that be your goal, to be the best. Don’t be too serious, work hard but have fun while you’re doing it. Y’all got to stretch! I promise if you stretch, your legs will feel so much better. Occasionally, I would neglect to stretch after a long run and the next day my legs would feel like garbage. Trust your coach, no matter how crazy they sound, they are making you do it for a reason and it will help you in the long run.
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Running Strong for over
50 years (1971-2021)
