Catch up with Jacquelyn Smith while you can! Although she is only a sophomore, cross-country standout Jackie Smith has placed first in five out of the six meets she has raced in so far this year. Her current fastest time is 19 minutes and 10 seconds, and she is looking to break 19 minutes in her meet next week. Everyone wants to know, who is this ridiculously fast sophomore, and how she is so extremely talented? Jackie willingly answered all the Marymount girls’ questions as she sat down with the staff and shared a little bit about herself in a Q and A.

Q. What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your running career?

A. I think that each race I run is a challenge. I try to improve my time each race and challenge myself to reach my full potential.

Q. Who is your hero?

A. My parents are my heroes. They support me in everything that I do and encourage me to always do my best. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Q. What is the most important lesson you have learned through your sport?

A.  Through Cross Country, I have learned to keep moving forward no matter the circumstances. If you stop in a race it is harder to get back to a steady pace and it is harder to catch people the farther you fall back.  I try to connect this lesson to my life as it motivates me not to give up in anything that I do. I know that if I don’t give up, I can accomplish anything.

Q. What motivates you to run?

A. I am a competitive person. My teammates, coach, and the opposing team that I am running against always motivate me to perform my best. I don’t really like to lose.

Q. Do you want to run in college? Where?

A. I really want to run in college, but I have no idea where. I am currently keeping all of my options open so I am not sure where I will end up.

Q. How do you stay in running shape year around?

A. I try to eat healthy and run as much as I can in the off-season. I am also involved in other athletic activities including track and soccer, which keep me in shape so that I am always ready to run.

Q. How do you fuel your body before and after a race?

A. Before a race I try to drink as much water that I can and I eat a healthy lunch. After a race I eat whatever I can get a hold of because I get so hungry!

Q. What advice can you give to a beginning runner?

A. My advice to beginning runners would be to never give up in a race and to keep going. Although it may be painful during the race, the feeling of finishing strong is very rewarding. If you put the time and effort, you will always succeed.

Jacquelyn looks forward to the remainder of the cross-country season as she prepares for her last few meets. With only one meet left before the league finals, Jackie and the rest of the Sailors’ training schedule is ramping up. Good luck to Jackie and the Marymount Cross Country team!