2020 Maine XC Watchlist: Charlotte DeGeorge, Cape Elizabeth


Notable Finishes: 2nd Class B States 2019, 2nd SM B Regional 2019, 2nd FOC Freshman 2019


Comments: DeGeorge had a phenomenal debut season in 2019 that saw her finish second in the Class B state meet. Entering 2020 with her teammate and defending state champion Lila Gaudrault opting not to compete means Charlotte is the top state meet returner. She'll be one of the individual favorites this fall as she aims to keep the title in Cape Elizabeth for the third year in a row.


How has COVID-19 affected you?

Through COVID-19, I have had a lot less of a schedule, so it's been harder to motivate to run.

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

I've had stretches of months where I've had some of the best workouts and time trials of my life, and other months where I haven't run, cross-trained or worked out at all. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to have these stretches to reset, and have found them incredibly helpful for my mental and physical health. To motivate myself to run, I create a month-long goal that details every workout I plan to do. Seeing it all written out helps me to follow it and get out to run every day.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

I haven't quite locked down any goals yet, as I like to be able to see how my training and the season is going before coming up with a specific time or place goal.

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

I generally prefer workouts that are shorter and more intense, especially hill workouts. However, I feel longer workouts strengthen my performance. My favorite workout is a 1200 repeat workout in Fort Williams.

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

Last year, I learned I can't push my body when it is injured. It's easier to sit out a few runs than do physical therapy for months.

How is your team looking for the fall?

Our team is looking really strong this season; we have had a lot of strong freshmen join this year.

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

The best piece of advice I have received in the sport is that pain is just a feeling. One can be in the best physical shape of their life, but if they aren't ready to suffer through the pain, then they won't go far. I often have to remind myself of this throughout a race, when I want to back off and quit. But I force myself to accept that it is going to hurt, but it will only last so long.

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

I find the most important thing I do to prevent injury is to make sure I eat enough. I also take time each day to stretch and roll out.

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

With my extra time, I have finally learned how to make friendship bracelets!

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

The farthest I have ever run was 11 miles.

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

If every day were a holiday, it would be the first weekend of December. My family always celebrates Christmas in Boston early, and it's a weekend where I don't have to worry about anything and can just spend time with my sisters.

Favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school would be math, specifically statistics.

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

If I could go on a run with anyone, it would be my dad's grandfather. He qualified for the Olympics during World War II, so he wasn't able to compete as it was canceled. I've always believed he's looking down on me as I race, and I would like to meet the man I look up to so much.

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

My superlative this year was actually team diva. I'm one of the most outgoing people on the team and I'm always laughing with someone about something. I generally don't have a great "indoor voice", so you can usually hear me from across the course.