2020 Maine XC Watchlist: Claire Wyman, Camden Hills HS

Maine 2020 XC Preseason

Aug 26, 2020

Camden Hills HS, SR

Notable Finishes: 8th Northern Maine Regional 2019 & 2017, 16th FOC 2019, 16th Class A States 2019,

Comments: Wyman has been a key runner in the success of the Camden Hills program, unfortunately, her school has opted out of fall competitive athletics so she won't get the chance to complete her senior xc season. She finished 16th a year ago at state helping Camden Hills to a fourth-place finish. She helped the Windjmammers to the team title in 2017 as a freshman.

How has COVID-19 affected you?

COVID-19 has mainly affected me by causing many events to be canceled. I am very grateful that this is the worst of it: my family and I have remained healthy, and I have been able to participate fully in remote school.

What has your summer training consisted of? How much mileage are you putting in?

My summer training has been mostly long runs, along with hills and tempo runs. I've been running about 35 miles each week.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

In the upcoming season, one of my goals is to improve my times at courses I've found difficult, such as my home course and Cony. I also want to work on not going out too fast and running at a more consistent pace.

What is your favorite workout that makes you feel most prepared for success?

My favorite workout this summer has been a tempo run, about 4 miles.

What did you learn from the last xc season that will help you improve in 2020?

Last cross country season, I learned to appreciate weekend long runs. This really helped to increase my weekly mileage, and I think that continuing to add miles will help me in 2020.

How is your team looking for the fall?

My team will definitely miss Miranda and Grace, who graduated this spring! However, we have Elsie along with Phoebe, Rose, Bella, and Margaret - rising seniors who have been on the team since their freshman year, and who I believe can help our rising sophomores and incoming freshmen to run their fastest.

How do you stay motivated when you don't want to run?

When I don't want to run, I stay motivated by listening to my favorite music while running, or using a run as an opportunity to explore new routes and terrain.

What is the greatest piece of advice you've ever received in the sport?

The greatest piece of advice I've ever received in the sport was to focus on beating my past self rather than trying to beat other runners. Working to PR gives me a more consistent and specific goal, while still allowing me to push myself so I can place well and help my team.

What are the top three "little things" that you do to prevent injury?

The most important thing that I do to prevent injury is to listen to my own body, slowing down or cutting a run short when I need to. I also stretch, of course, and run an easy cool down after quicker runs.

What is the one thing you have done during COVID-19 that you have never had time for in the past?

During COVID-19, I had time to learn to sew. For running, I had the opportunity to go on longer runs and enjoy running in the early spring before the weather turned warm.

What's the farthest you've ever run at one time?

The farthest I've ever run at one time is 12 miles.

If every day were a holiday, what would yours be?

If every day were a holiday, mine would be Share Your Houseplants Day.

Favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school is science.

If you could go on a run with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Why?

If I could go for a run with anyone, it might be James Taylor, who said about hours of running and rowing each day: "It set me free." I would love to learn more about his perspective on running, especially since Taylor is also one of the artists whose music inspires me and motivates me to run.

If your teammates gave you a superlative, what would it be?

My teammates won't let me forget that I'm the shortest on the team!

15. Claire Wyman

Camden Hills HS, SR