Fill out Salute to Seniors Form
Name: Annabelle Brooks
Team: Cheverus
When and how did you get into track and field?
My dad is a runner (he's run 23 marathons!) and he always encouraged me to be outside engaging in physical activity. I started doing the kid "fun runs" when he would run local road races. I began running more seriously in third grade through the awesome Girls on the Run program. I loved it, especially competing in the 5K at Pineland Farms with a couple of hundred other girls.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
There are so many talented runners in this state right now. In the SMAA league, I have really enjoyed running with the amazing girls from Bonny Eagle and Marshwood. Addy Thibodeau, Allie Hesler, Addie Fuller, and Sarah McClellan come to mind. Outside of Class A, I also think of Emma Young and Hadley Mahoney who are not only incredible competitors, but great summer running buddies too. And though it's not for running (because she blows me out of the water every time!), Ruth White is one of my biggest competitors in Nordic skiing
What was your greatest accomplishment?
For XC running, my greatest accomplishment came on November 14, 2020, the day the State Championship meet was supposed to be held in Bangor. I'd had a solid season and was heading into the state meet feeling strong and ready to break 19. When the meet was canceled due to rising virus cases, my Cheverus coach, Nick Denari offered to pace me on the Back Cove and I ran the 5K in 18:32. In track, I was really excited to get my 1600 time down to 5:16 this past season. And in Nordic skiing, I was super excited to win both the Class A classic and pursuit titles as well as having the top time in the Pursuit across all classes.
How has track and field impacted your life?
It's hard to put into words how impactful running XC and track has been. It's been the foundation of my fitness routine since elementary school. I've met some of my very best friends in this sport, especially my running posse at Cheverus. I've also grown closer to my dad while logging hundreds of miles with him. I had a chance to pace him while he ran the last 6 miles of this year's Maine Marathon, qualifying to run the Boston Marathon next spring.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Like most runners, I've had my share of injuries. My freshman year started out really strong but I ramped up too quickly and ended up with a tibial stress fracture. I was relatively injury-free until my junior year track season when I pulled a quad muscle that took a solid 6 weeks to heal. I missed most of the season and just never had a chance to train enough to get any PRs.
How do you prepare for competitions?
For competitions, I just try to pay extra attention to getting good sleep, hydration, and nutrition in the days leading up to the meet. I'm also a big fan of using my Theragun mini and rolling out.
What influence has your coach had on your high school career?
I've had the most incredible coaches at Cheverus! Nick Denari and Taylor Bickford were my XC coaches. Nick is an incredible runner himself with a 4:20 mile and 15:04 5K and Taylor is an incredible runner who ran a 2:42 marathon and low 17s 5K. I've learned so much from both of them. I'm also really grateful to Coach Wilkinson for his support. He's a wonderful head track and field coach.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
I play the piano and sing for fun and also professionally. I also really enjoy taking care of all of my pets. Currently, I have 1 dog, 2 cats, 1 ball python snake, 2 water frogs, and 1 crested gecko.
What are your college plans?
I'm going to Harvard and I'm going to ski on the Nordic team.
What are your long-term goals?
For sports, long-term goals include training for a marathon, and seeing how far I can go with Nordic skiing. I'd love to make Junior Nationals next year. For a career, I'm thinking that I'll probably end up doing some combination of biology/medicine, veterinary science, and music.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I'd like to thank my parents for all of their support over the years. I'd like to thank my coaches, especially Nick Denari, Taylor Bickford, George Aponte Clarke, and Emily Cartwright for all of their wonderful wisdom and training efforts. I'd like to thank Dan Frey, of Finish Strong Physical Therapy for helping me recover quickly and thoroughly from the typical running injuries.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
I would tell them to trust the process of training. Read and learn as much as you can about your sport. Don't underestimate the importance of good sleep (9 to 10 hours when competing), hydration, and nutrition. You can do all of your training faithfully, but if you don't sleep, drink, and eat enough when it matters most, you won't get your best possible results. Try not to stress too much and prioritize having fun in your races.
