In It For The Long Run, Grace Iltis Is One To Watch

Sep 22, 2017

Athlete: Grace Iltis

Year of Graduation: 2020

2016 State Meet Finish: 10th in Class B 19:43.05

As freshman a year ago Grace Iltis started out running over 22 minutes for 5k in her first two races. Less than a month laster she progressed down to 20:30 in the freshman race at Festival of Champions placing sixth in the freshman race.

Then came a bout of tendonitis and shin splints that kept her out the Camden Hills Invitational and the KVAC Championship. She returned for the better at the Northern Maine Regional Championship running under twenty minutes for the first time, with her third place effort of 19:58.83.

A week later she closed out her rookie campaign with a ten place finish in the Class B State meet running a personal best 19:43.05.

During the outdoor track season she showed good speed running 5:15.13 for 1600m at the New England Championship, a week earlier she finished fifth in the Class B state meet in the same event.

Fast forward to this fall, and Iltis has started off better than she ended a year ago. She is undefeated through three races and in her most recent race set a lifetime best of 19:09.53 at Medomak Valley.

We caught up with the rising sophomores to ask her a few questions about her season.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

One of my goals is to build friendships with some of the other fantastic runners I will get the chance to run with in the larger meets this season. Another one of my goals is to break 19, hopefully in one of the upcoming meets.

What's a typical training week like?

I usually start my week out with a long run, and I like to do this at my favorite trail, the multi-use trail at the State Park close to my house. The rest of the week consists of medium distance runs, a few tempo runs, and a hill workout. Two to three days a week I strength train, as well.

What is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout is definitely a long run.

Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines How does your coach motivate you?

I always listen to music to calm any nerves, and I pray before each race. Our team also has a special cheer that we do to get us excited, and we write some sort of message on our hands that remind us that we're all running together.

If you could walk in one person's shoes for a day, who would it be and why?

A few of my biggest "running role models" are Joan Benoit and Shalane Flanagan. They're both so genuine, and approach every race with confidence and excitement. Also, they train in some beautiful places!

If you were given a chance to take over as a coach for a day, what would be the workout you'd plan and why?

I would plan a nice, slow long run on a trail, with lots of rolling and stretching at the end!

What professional athlete would you most like to meet?

I would love to meet Emily Infeld, or Shalane Flanagan; really any of the girls in the Bowerman Track Club!

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

A smoothie, a hammock, and a pair of sunglasses!