Future Stars: Kate Tugman (Gorham HS)

Kate Tugman of Gorham has had an outstanding freshman campaign so far in 2016. Tugman clocked a sub 20 for 5k earlier this year with a new personal best of 19:53 on her home course. She followed that up with a strong 20:03 effort at Biddeford last week. She will be one the favorites this weekend in the freshman race at Festival of Champions.


How long have you been running and how did you get started?

I started running track in sixth grade because my older cousins did it and I remember going to some of their track meets.


Do you remember your first real race?

I was nine years old, and it was a one mile race at the Yarmouth Clam Festival. I believe I got under nine minutes. 


How did summer training go?

It was my first summer training with the high school cross country team, and it went really well. I think I improved and I had a great time.


You have started off your high school career with some top finishes, did you expect to have that kind of success already?

Honestly, I did not expect to have this kind of success. I knew I had put in really hard work, but all I wanted was to get some PRs, and I hoped to be among the top finishers in later high school years.


What has been the biggest adjustment going from middle school to high school running?

The training is much more serious, with a lot longer distances. 


What is your favorite workout?

I like when we go to Otterpond to run because there some good trails and hills to train on.


What are your goals for the rest of the cross country season?

My goals are really just to remain in the top finishers and get some more PRs, maybe under 19:30 for a 5k.


What do you love most about running?

I love the feeling of freedom when you run. My favorite is when I go on a long relaxing run by myself and just get to think. 


Do you have a favorite quote?

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift." - Olympian Steve Prefontaine


What is your favorite food?

Sushi or pizza.


Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?

Before races, I usually get really nervous, so I try to distract myself by hanging out with my teammates. We always warm up and stretch before. I also, have been wearing my mom's old sweat wrist band. She wore it every tennis match she had in high school, so I wear it for every meet. 


What brand of shoes do you train/race in?

I train in Nike Zooms and I race in Saucony cross country spikes.


What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?

The last movie I watched was a horror movie called Don't Breathe and I thought it was kind of weird, it definitely was not my favorite movie.


What is something most people don't know about you?

I enjoy watching a lot of cooking shows.


What was your favorite Olympic moment in Rio?

When the women's United States 4x100 relay team won the gold.


Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be? 

Some food, water, and a boat to leave the island.