XC Watchlist: Anne McKee- Kents Hill
Athlete Name: Anee McKee
School: Kents Hill
Year of Graduation: 2016
2013 State Meet Finish: 1st in MAISAD 18:06
Tell us how your summer training is going?
My summer training has been going very well. With long runs (around 12-13 miles), track speed, hill work, tempo runs, and recovery, I am averaging around 45-50 miles a week currently. In addition to training on foot, I have also been roller skiing and doing a lot of strength work to prep for nordic ski season in the winter.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
I’d like to show some really strong performances at invitationals this year such as Festival of Champions and Manchester Invitational. Also, I would like to be top 25 at the Footlocker Northeast Regional Champs. Timewise, 18:15. I also have high hopes for my team this year, as we would like to win the MAISAD (state prep champs) and NEPSAC D4 championships (basically small school prep New Englands). In addition to outcome-based goals, I’d like to work more on mental prep and focus before races.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I started running XC in sixth grade, though I had run a few road races/fun runs before that. My dad used to run cross country so I figured I'd try it out, as my 5th grade soccer skills were obviously lacking!
Will you be competing anywhere out of state this season?
Yes. My team will be going to the Manchester Invitational (NH), Brown Invitational (RI), which will be new for us this year, and the New England Prep championships. In addition, I’ll be competing on my own at the Footlocker NE Regional Championships in New York.
What is your favorite course to run in Maine?
Belfast! Flat and fast (at least for Maine standards!) and there always seems like there is a ton of hype on the course.
What is the toughest course to run in Maine?
I think the toughest course in Maine is most definitely the Gould Academy XC course. It is around 3.7-4 miles and it is like running up and down a mountain. The course winds up and down a steep slope multiple times and hills twist and turn so it is impossible to see the top! It's also always ridiculously muddy so it's hard to get traction on the downhills.
What meet during the regular season do you put extra emphasize on to compete well at?
The large invitationals, particularly Festival of Champions.
What is your favorite cross country race so far in your high school career & favorite cross country memory?
I really enjoyed Manchester Invitational last year. Derryfield Park was such a wonderful venue and I was surprised at how well I stacked up against the many girls in my field. It was just an overall fun race, and there was even a truck with slushies at the finish! It was a great way to kick off the season. One of my favorite XC memories is our tradition of marking our course before the home meet. It's always really fun because we seem to "over mark" every little trail, and we go all out with the spray paint and tape!
When you are not running what is your favorite thing to do?
I love cross country skiing, hiking, and playing the violin.
Favorite quote?
“If you want to win a race you have to go a little berserk.” -Bill Rodgers
What shoes do you train in?
I train in the New Balance Fresh Foam 980 and Nike Lunarglide 5. I’d highly recommend both!
What shoes do you race in?
I have yet to get spikes for the season, as my Brooks Mach XC spike is pretty worn after three seasons.
What professional athlete would you most like to meet?
I’d like to meet Shalane Flanagan.
What is something that most people don't know about you?
I have a little sister, Kate, who will be a freshman this year. She’ll be joining the XC team this year - watch out!
More on McKee
Personal Bests
- 1,600 Meter Run5:26.06
- 3,200 Meter Run11:33.59
- Three Mile Run18:06.00
- 4000 Meter Run15:55.00
- 5,000 Meter Run18:59.40
