Westbrook freshman Quincey Lyden took top honors in the freshman race at FOC as she clocked a new personal best 19:35. Lyden has had an outstanding season so far in 2016.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I've been running since 6th grade, starting in the winter when indoor track had begun. A lot of kids in my school had run track so I decided I would too.
Do you remember your first real race?
I remember my first race was the 600m, it was an event only 6th graders could do and I won with a time of 1:53 I think. The other racers with me were actually Tugman and Kitchen from Gorham.
I was very lazy with my summer training, I only ran once or twice a week about five miles each time. That made me nervous going into the season, but I think if I had trained harder I would have been able to stay with Emily Carty in the Lake Region Invitational.
You have started off your HS career with top 5 finishes in all your races, did you expect to have that kind of success already?
I didn't really know what to expect coming into the season. This was my first year of cross country, I had played field hockey through middle school, so my plan was to just go with it.
What is your favorite workout?
I'm not sure I really have a favorite workout, but I'd probably have to say 200 and 400 repeats.
My goal for the rest of the season is to just keep improving and remember and pursue the things I've been taught.
What do you love most about running?
In all honesty I don't enjoy the running part of the season but I love my team and how supporting they are of each other. Through a lot we've stuck together and have been brought closer.
Do you have a favorite quote?
A quote I'll always remember through my running career is "you gotta go now". It was always said to me and other runners on my team by someone very special to us.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is pasta salad and breadsticks. I constantly eat carbs which, before meets is good for running.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Before every race my teammate Emma Lombardo leads a prayer circle, which motivates our team and brings us closer.
What brand of shoes do you train/race in?
My training shoes are brooks and my spikes are Saucony.
What was the last movie you saw and what did you think of it?
The last movie I saw was a horror movie, that I don't remember the name of and didn't quite finish because I don't even like scary movies.
What is something most people don't know about you?
Something most people don't know about me is that when I was 7 I almost lost my left thumb in a door.
What was your favorite Olympic moment in Rio?
My favorite Olympic moment was when the American and New Zealand runners fell in the 5000m, but helped each other finish the race.
Lastly, if you were stranded on an island with three things what would they be?
If I were stranded on an island with three things I'd want water, fire starter, and a friend.
