Salute to Seniors: Abby Mace

This is a tough one--there have been so many memorable races! I guess I'd say New Englands in xc my freshman year, the 3200 m at New Englands my junior year, and the 3200 m at the Class C meet my senior year. They all stand out to me for different reasons.

Out of all of your high school accomplishments which stands out the most?
I think I'm most proud of my attempt to find a balance between academics, running, skiing, and the other activities that I do. I may not have accomplished all of my running goals, but when I take a step back and look at my overall performance in everything I've done, not just in running but in school and other sports and activities, I couldn't be happier.

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
- needed some more mental toughness at times, and I wish I had had that. But for the most part, I wouldn't change anything, even though I've had a lot of ups and downs, like when I was injured during my junior year. These challenges have made me a stronger person now, and I think I will benefit from them later in life.

What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?

Definitely my injuries junior year (my stress reaction and IT band injury). I had to do a lot of cross training and special stretching/strengthening exercises, and couldn't run for a long time. My injuries really tested my passion for and commitment to the sport.

What will you miss the most?
I'll miss the people involved in running the most--especially my fellow competitors, my coaches, and my teammates. Running in Maine and at Maranacook, I've been surrounded by some of the most caring, good-natured, supportive people I've ever met, and I can't thank them enough.

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?

Have fun running! Don't put a lot of pressure on yourself to acheive a certain time or place. Approach every race calm and relaxed, and be ready to push yourself hard but have fun, too. If you're enjoying what you're doing, the chances that you'll succeed are much greater.

What advice have your coaches had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

I'm the type of person who will set my own goals naturally, so I usually just mention my goals to my coaches and they'll do what they can to help me achieve them.

What are your college plans?
I'll attend the University of Connecticut to study communications and journalism, and I'll also run on the xc/track teams.

Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the friendly and energizing atmosphere that is the Maine running community. Specifically, I'd like to thank my competitors who've inspired and motivated me, my teammates who have become some of my good friends, and my coaches who care so much.