Athlete Name: Kirsten Sandreuter
School: Greely HS
Year of Graduation: 2014
2012 State Meet Finish: 2nd in Class B 19:01
Best time in a 5K race and in which meet:
19:01 at States last year(Belfast).
Tell us how your summer training is going?:
I’m really enjoying the opportunity to challenge myself with higher weekly mileage than I’ve done in the past and finding creative ways to vary the intensity of my running. So far, I’m feeling healthy, strong and excited for the upcoming racing season!
What are your goals for the upcoming season?:
My goal is to savor each step of my last high school cross-country season and make it last as long as possible by preforming well when it counts :) I also want be a leader in creating a team of motivated athletes who can have fun and work together toward faster PRs all around!
How long have you been running and how did you get started?:
I started running on my town’s summer track team when I was 6-years-old, mostly because my older brother was involved. I had a blast growing up with that program, so continued on to join the middle school and eventually high school teams!
Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?:
I’ll be competing at the Manchester Invitational in New Hampshire, and hopefully also New Englands on that same course(which is great, because I love it!). I’m planning to enter the Footlocker Regionals in New York as well, which will give me the chance to compete against some of the most talented runners in the Northeast!
What is your favorite course to run in Maine?:
Twin Brook, my home course, is definitely my favorite. I have so many memories of miles spent on those infamous rolling hills and can’t wait for plenty more to come!
What is the toughest course to run in Maine?:
I think Twin Brook might be the best answer here too :) But the challenge is part of what makes it so awesome!
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?:
The Manchester Invitational is a great opportunity to preform well mid-season, so I usually place some extra emphasis on that. And of course its important to deliver good results at the Western Maine Conference Championships, so our team scores as well as possible at the last regular season meet!
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career?:
I loved the chance to run New Englands on my home course(Twin Brook) last year. Though I didn’t run my fastest time, I felt strong the whole way and ended up gaining All-NE Honors for the first time in XC!
Favorite cross country memory?:
The finish of last year’s Manchester Invitational. I was rounding the corner to begin the final stretch when my teammate Eva Bates suddenly appeared at my shoulder! I’ll never forget that intense uphill battle, followed by breathless hugs, muddy uniforms and huge PRs to our credit :)
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?:
As a runner looking to optimize fueling options, I’ve developed a passion for both nutrition and culinary arts, so I love to get creative in the kitchen!
Favorite quote?:
There are too many good ones to chose a single favorite, but I love this one my mom stuck on my mirror during a rough patch in my season a couple years ago:
“Love yourself, for who and what you are; protect your dream and develop you talent to the fullest extent.”
-Joan Benoit Samuelson
These simple words of wisdom from a local legend remind me every morning to believe in what I do.
What shoes do you train in?:
Saucony Kinvaras
What shoes do you race in?:
I’m actually not sure yet! I’m planning to order a new pair of XC spikes this week, but last year I raced in Nikes.
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?:
Though there are definitely tons of runners I admire, my first choice would actually be gymnast Shawn Johnson. It was Shawn’s incredible drive and infectiously positive attitude during the 2008 Summer Olympics that first inspired me to think, “I want to be the best athlete I can be.” She’s just such an admirable athlete and person, and I would love to get to know her personally.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
One of my goals is to someday compete in a triathlon... but first I have to figure out how to swim a stroke other than the doggie paddle!
