Going the Distance

Emily Horgan

[Emily Horgan graduated from Hamilton-Wenham High School in the spring of 2014 and started her college life at the University of Vermont this fall. This past summer she did what she has done for many years - she trained for the cross-country season in Coach Braz's program. Unlike the previous years, when she competed for her high school's xc team, this fall she ran for her college team.]

GTD: Emily, how many summers have you trained with Coach Braz?
Emily: 5 and counting.

GTD: Was it different this summer? Instead of training for high school meets, you were heading to college.
Emily: Yes, it was strange not training with Bradley Palmer or Wrentham's course in mind. That's where my high school team has their league and divisional meet. I was training for preseason, I was very nervous that I wouldn't be able to keep up with the team.

GTD: What did you expect the UVM running scene to be like?
Emily: I had no idea what to expect. I knew I was going to have to work hard. I was especially nervous because I had been sick over the summer and hadn't been able to train the way I wanted too.

GTD: What's the biggest difference between high school and college xc?
Emily: The biggest difference so far has been the mileage. In high school there was a big emphasis on tough, teeth gritting workouts, which happened quite frequently. Now I run an average of 50 to 60 minutes each day and my workouts are at threshold pace and directly mimic a race scenario.

GTD: Running plans for the winter and spring seasons?
Emily: Since becoming a part of the running program here at UVM, I have realized how large of a transition and process running at the college level is.

I am not sure right now if I will be racing on the indoor team. I am working on developing as a runner, I have a long ways to go! This winter I plan on working on running smooth, strong and fast for any distance between a mile and six miles. I am not sure if I will be ready to race this indoor season but the next five months will be dedicated to competing come spring track.