TIPS and Tricks from Ara Messarian
by Peyton Bryant
- How much do you like cross country? A lot.
- How long have you done cross country? Since 3rd or 4th grade.
- Will you do it again next year? Yes.
- Are you growing as a runner? Yes.
- Why are you running? I like it.
- How far did you run during the season? In competitions, two miles. For practices, three miles.
- What are your running goals? To beat my family in a race.
- If so, did you meet them? I beat my father, lost to my brother, and I have not yet raced my mother.
- Who is in your running support network? Just me.
- Do you have any pro tips for people who may want to start? Imagine you are chasing a pan of brownies.
- What training phase are you in? [And when does it end?] Resting for about five months.
- How do you stay motivated when you do not want to run? Imagine you are chasing a pan of brownies.
- When is your next race? Undetermined.
- How are you improving your training? Trying to run farther without the brownie trick.
- What lessons have you learned from the sport? You need deodorant.
- Have you made any new friends in cross country? No.
- Have you met any new people? Some sixth graders.
- Did you ever give up on cross country? Oh, yes.
- Would you do this as an adult? Depends on what job she has.