2020 Maine XC Watchlist: Karley Piers, Falmouth HS

Notable Finishes: 2nd Class A States 2019, 3rd Southern Maine Class A Regional 2018,2019, 4th Festival of Champions 2019, 29th New England Championship 2019

Comments: Piers had a great postseason run a year ago finishing third in the Southern Maine Class A Regional before finishing as the state runner-up. She has improved every year and look for that to continue in 2020. Her fastest time last season was an 18:13 effort at Gorham.

How has COVID-19 affected you?

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

My summer training has mostly consisted of building my base for the fall season and sprinkling in some speed workouts to stay sharp. I've been putting in 45-50 miles a week.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

My goal for this season is to be a team leader and be someone my teammates can look up to. A more personal goal would be trying to lower my times from last fall.

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

Any workout at our home course (Falmouth community parks) makes me feel most prepared because of how hilly and challenging the course is.

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

I learned that staying in a positive headspace will lead me to achieve my personal and team goals.

How is your team looking for the fall?

Our team is looking pretty good, I think this year we need to focus on our depth and making sure we have a strong top 5 for the big meets.

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

In order to reach your goals, you have to run regardless of whether you want to or not. Growing up, my siblings and I were always taught that in order to become good at something it's important to put the time and effort into that particular thing.

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

The greatest advice I've received in running is that it's 90% mental, and you could be in the best shape of your life but if your head isn't in the right place you won't perform to your greatest potential.

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

Summer base training to prepare for the season

Eating healthy as much as I can

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

I have a huge passion for arts and crafts, and the virus has given me more time to do that.

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

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

Favorite subject in school?

Science but in all honesty, it would have to be gym class.

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

Probably Michael Jordan because his drive and determination to be the best inspires me almost every day.

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

Either most talkative or best laugh (more like most annoying laugh)