Name: Lauren Brown
School: Waterville Senior High School
What was your most memorable race?
My sophomore year track state championship was definitely the most memorable. I was expecting to get 6th, and ended up with a 2nd place finish and a PR! At the beginning of the race, I had no idea where I would stand--I just tried to hang in there, hold my seed. But then, in the last few laps of the race, I realized I had so much more in the tank. Moving into second place in the very last 100 meters, with my teammates screaming in the background, was an amazing feeling.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
KVACs in Cross-Country this year, winning for the first time and getting the 3rd fastest time ever run on the hilly Cony course, behind my sister and Erzsebet Nagy. As a team, we won KVAC championships for both the boys' and girls' teams (a first in Waterville history) and each side had the individual champs!
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
If I could change anything, I think I'd just try to put more into it. I don't think you realize just how short high school is until it's over, and I wish I'd valued every second more.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Osgood Schlatter's during my sophomore year took away several long months I could have used for good training, so that was the biggest physical challenge. Learning to love running, though, was definitely a close second--I used to hate it!
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Never give up on getting better. In junior high, I thought I hated running and until eighth grade, I finished last in about every race. I didn't want to run cross-country in high school because I thought I'd always be in last place. During XC preseason, I couldn't keep up with anyone and struggled through every mile--but I just kept running, and it started to pay off. Some people have talent, some don't, but anyone who is determined to work for success will find it, talented or not.
What are your college plans?
I'll be attending Dartmouth College. I don't know if I will ever compete at the collegiate level, but I'll definitely keep running on my own!
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My mom and dad, for always giving me their support and helping me to stay positive; and my sister Bethanie, for her constant support and for inspiring me to even start running in the first place.
More Coverage
Do you know a class of 2016 track and field or cross country athlete? We'd like to salute them! Have them answer the following questions plus send 2-3 photos (can not be from another website or publication) to dveilleux@milesplit.us
