Salute to Seniors: Erzsebet Nagy (Lawrence HS)

Maine 2013 Salute to Seniors

Jun 25, 2013

Erzsebet Nagy - Lawrence HS

What was your most memorable races? In XC, I had some very memorable races. I will never forget MCI my junior year in the heat, racing up The Pinnacle with Bethany. Neither of us was sure where to go since the golf course was poorly marked. the last thing I remember was a stretch of trail with trees blurring by, and then I was being woken up and had a cold wash cloth on my face! I do not know how I finished! Also, last year's mile at states against Abbey during the final 200 was exciting. I had led the whole way and then she had a great kick, so I tried to go with her but I just didn't have it. It was amazing to lose to such an outstanding runner by just under a second (I think that was the difference).

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most? My 2:13 is my biggest accomplishment. The New England meet, or just big meets in general, are really the place to PR. I learned that there, and just had to attempt to stay with the pack. the 800 field was so stacked, and it was even more impressive this year (a 2:13 would not have even placed!). I just hope I will run that fast again!

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school? Last year, I would have taken more time off after New England's. I was over zealous and increased my mileage too much to prep for a half marathon only a couple weeks after Nw England's. Then within a week of the 13.1 miles, I did my first set of mile repeats (inspired by Once A Runner). Shortly thereafter, hip pain flared up. Maybe if I had been more patient, I could have run throughout the XC season and been in better shape.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome? Starting XC my junior year put me behind in experience. Track is much different, and pacing and strategies are completely new on trails. However, I don't regret starting late because I am not near being burnt out! I still love running! Also, my hip injury was a huge obstacle that I was forced to deal with. Injuries are the worst for a highly competitive, passionate athlete. I remember crying at the LaLiberte race because I wanted to run so badly. I had to try to stay in shape without running (I came to hate ellipticals and aqua jogging is death). That made the races that I did run absolutely miserable. I felt so out of shape, and even though FOCs was a PR of mine, I never really felt strong or in control.

What will you miss the most? I will miss training with Sawyer and our coach HG. We had a very small group of distance runners, and sometimes it would just be the two of us. Sawyer and I pushed each other through the workouts and improved together over our high school years. It will be weird to run with a group of girls next year!

What advice you would give to younger athletes? Be passionate. If you love what you are doing, the rest will fall into place.If you are not enjoying what you used to love, take a step back and evaluate. I realized that soccer was not what it used to be for me, and I learned that I really like to run. Since it is something I love, I am willing to put everything I can into being better.

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals? Coach HG knows no limits. He believes in me more than I believe in myself. From his constant grin or his catch phrases, he is an amazing coach. His encouragement and positivity are what made me know I could do it (whatever "it" was, I could conquer it!). I set the bar high for myself because he knows that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, and I will miss him so much! Oh, and he also thinks I could have a future in baking if that is the path I were to choose.

What are your college plans? Middlebury woooooo! I plan on running XC and outdoor. Perhaps I will dabble in XC skiing during the winter to keep in shape while taking a break. Vermont is the perfect place to ski! I want to major in biochem and minor in Spanish. I do plan on going abroad, so D3 athletics makes that much easier.

Who would you like to say thank you to? Thank you to my mom, most importantly. She has inspired be to be a runner without realizing it. Thank you to all of my friends for coming to support me at meets and making me signs! Thanks to everyone who has gone on a run with me. Thanks milesplit for having results and pictures and articles to support us local athletes!

Personal Bests

1,600 Meter Run 4:57.66
3,200 Meter Run 10:49.27
5,000 Meter Run 18:28.88
800 Meter Run 2:13.50

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