State Champion spotlight: Kialeigh Marston Bonny Eagle
Bonny Eagle junior Kialeigh Marston won her second consecutive Class A state mile championship on Monday as she pulled away from the field in the last two laps to win in 5:20. We caught up with Kialeigh to ask her a few questions about her preparation before the meet, her mindset on race day, and how she has dealt with injuries this year.
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
Ate some food, drank some water, read some pre; nothing out of the normal. We had a fairly easy week leading into states as I presume most people have had.
How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I just tell myself it is just another meet, I've run all the races before. I try to stick to the race plans and just go with it. Mantras also help. My family and friends were also present, making some of the low moments of the day a lot brighter.
How did you feel after crossing the finish line knowing you had repeated as the champion?
Being a champion again was marvelous, it really proved that I was back from such a long injury stretch.
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
Well I wanted to have an injury free season; that didn't happen. I wanted to hit 5:12 again and thankfully I will have another chance at that at New England's. I thought of this season as a way to get back into training and racing after missing almost all of XC and completely losing my base. I am focusing more on this upcoming outdoor season and my senior year seasons.
You've dealt with some injuries over the last 6 months, how has that affected you mentally, and what have you done to stay healthy this indoor season?
Mentally is was a blow, running is very mental and to have to worry about my footing along with my pacing and the hundreds of other things going through your mind when racing, it is hard and as we see I'm not the best at it. I'm doing a lot more strength training and cross training now to stay on top of my various injuries. I am also working on my balance during the offseason, might be helpful to be able to balance on one foot...and juggle?
2014-15 Season Results
| 5:20.35 | 1st | 2015-02-16 | Class A Indoor State Championship | ||
| 5:18.04 | 1st | 2015-01-17 | SMAA: Bonny Eagle, McAuley, Noble & TA | ||
| 5:35.38 | 13th | 2014-12-27 | Rhode Island Classic | ||
| 5:40.30 | 2nd | 2014-12-20 | SMAA: Bonny Eagle-Marshwood-Portland-South Portland |
Marston's Mile Progression
- 2015 Indoor 5:18.04
- 2014 Indoor 5:12.62
- 2013 Indoor 5:59.58
