Athlete Name: Maggie Painter
School: Mt Desert Island
Year of Graduation: 2014
2012 State Meet Finish: 11th in Class B 20:13 
Best time in a 5K race and in which meet:
My best 5K race was at the 2012 Festival of Champions, where I got a 19:19.
Tell us how your summer training is going?:
My training this summer is going really well! I feel like as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned what summer training truly is about: gaining a base before working harder in more specialized areas during the season. I really like summer training with friends and family, as there are no school or other extracurricular pressures to worry about.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?:
This being my senior year, my goal is to make the season truly unforgettable. I want to take in every moment, make amazing memories with my team, and finish the season knowing that I gave everything I could, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?:
I’ve been running since I was quite little, maybe four or five years old. I started because my parents ran. My first race was a fun run when I was five, which I ran hand in hand with my dad, bot of us dressed in our Halloween costumes! My parents have always inspired me with everything they do, being the incredible people and athletes they are.
Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?:
Individually, no, I don’t believe so.
What is your favorite course to run in Maine?:
What is the toughest course to run in Maine?:
I believe that one of the toughest would have to be the Twin Brook course in Cumberland, where States will be this year. Though it’s challenging, it’s also so much fun to compete on, especially in larger meets, like the upcoming State Championship this fall. I’m super excited to run there!
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?:
Our team throughout the season has different goals for each meet, not necessarily meaning getting a PR every week. Each meet has a purpose in our training for larger championship meets, and whether we get best times or not, our goal is to always compete well in order to learn for larger meets at the end of the season.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?:
Favorite cross country memory?:
There are so many I can think of, but one that definitely stands out is the team huddle our team had before our State Championship Meet last year at Belfast. We stood in a circle, our hands around each others shoulders, our heads looking down at the ground as we each said a few last words before the race. When we stood up and put our hands in the middle, we all looked at each other before screaming “MDI!!!” as loud as we could. During those moments I think we all realized, that no matter what happened that day, no matter what place or time we got, we had created an amazing season that could never be forgotten.
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?:
When I’m not running, I often like to sing, as well as cook, ride my bike with my dad, spend time with my friends, there’s truly so much.
Favorite quote?:
“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, smarter than you seem, and stronger than you think.”
- Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh
My family inspired me with this quote last year, and it’s definitely become one of my favorites. It somehow makes everything possible.
What shoes do you train in?:
I train in different shoes depending on the terrain. When trail running, I really like the Brooks PureGrit or the New Balance 1010. During tempo runs and longer runs, I like the Saucony Kinvaras and the Brooks PureDrift.
What shoes do you race in?:
I usually wear Nike spikes in races.
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?:
There are so so many I would want to meet, though I truly would love to meet Kara Goucher or Lauren Fleshman. They’re both so inspiring!
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I’m a vegetarian :)
