Salute to Seniors: Kirstin Sandreuter - Greely HS

What was your most memorable race/moment?

There have truly been so many unforgettable race moments through the years, so I can’t resist mentioning one major highlight from each season rather than a single experience -- for cross-country, it’s a toss up between sprinting to the finish with my teammate Eva Sophomore year at Manchester and States this year(my last ever race at Twin Brook!). For indoor track, I’d definitely say qualifying for Nationals my Junior year by running a huge PR after an extremely frustrating season to that point. And finally, for outdoor track, I’ll always look back fondly on the two different mile races in which I came closest to my goal of breaking 5 minutes -- New Englands my Sophomore year and States this year.

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

Honestly, although it might sound quite cliché, I’d have to say myself. I think personal doubt and mental weakness are some of the biggest challenges distance runners face throughout their careers. However, I will also always think of chasing Bethanie Brown (both the incredible athlete herself, then her records!), battling Aleta Looker in the mile, and of course, running head-to-head with Heather Evans since both of us were less than 10-years-old in summer track -- the best part is that all of these competitors are also awesome friends!

What was your greatest accomplishment?

Senior year cross-country, definitely -- after a struggle with injury that kept me from running through a good chunk of the season, I was able to keep my spirits up and come back strong to run PRs and even qualify for Foot Locker Nationals, a goal of mine since Freshman year. That season also stands out in my mind as some of the most fun I’ve ever had with my teammates and friends :)

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?

I don’t think I’d change one thing -- although not everything went exactly how I thought I wanted it to, I believe that running is a journey and that high school was the way it was for certain reasons I may never fully understand -- and it was wonderful :)

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

Probably the physical challenges that kept me from training with my team for certain periods of time, and sometimes feeling like it was entirely my fault that I was dealing with those issues.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the little things most -- the infamous, empowering ascent of the Pain Cave at Twin Brook, the rooster that never fails to crow each morning as I finish the first mile of my long run, playing silly word games during “plank time” with my teammates in the weight room. And of course, I’ll miss my favorite running buddies here at home. Greely girls and guys, Hannah, Dad, Greg and many others -- that’s you guys!

What advice you would give to younger athletes?

Appreciate the journey -- set high goals for yourself in high school, but realize that your life and running career won’t end in these four years and you have so much to look forward to... so don’t treat your daily practices as chores and rush home as soon as you can! Instead, take time to give your all in every workout, laugh with your coach and teammates, listen to your body and respect it and enjoy the little things that make being a high school athlete such a one-of-a-kind experience :)

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

My coaches have been such a blessing in my life -- season after season, they’ve taken time to listen to me ramble on about my goals, concerns, and thoughts all while encouraging me to dream big and work hard every step of the way.

What are your college plans?

I will be running, studying Nutrition and having many new adventures at Cornell!

Who would you like to say thank you to?

My coaches, teammates, competitors, family, and community -- especially Maine Milesplit, for keeping us connected and informed so well!

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Above all, run for joy! I am so glad I discovered this sport and also the infinite ways that I can share my passion with others through it -- I encourage all of you to do the same if you choose to continue running :) Best of luck to everyone as you move forward in your lives!