10 Questions With ... Emily Olson -- Women's Cross Country

Our first Q&A this week comes from Orange Coast College runner Emily Olson, a sophomore on this year's women's cross country team.

1. What was it about cross country that made you want to compete at this level? Where did you first fall in love with the sport?

"With cross country, I really enjoy just being able to run long distances. I'm still working on my competitive side so the racing itself isn't my favorite, but I just love to run. I started off as a sprinter in high school and then I moved to the 800, then the mile to help keep in shape. Since then I now do the 1,500 and 3,000 during the track season and I'd really like to get into the 5,000. For now, my go-to for track is the 3,000."

2. With COVID and no contact with OCC, what are some of your training methods you're doing to keep your times at peek level?

"Right now I'm trying to take it easy. I worked hard in the summer to prepare for the fall and I overtrained a bit. There's a long way to go before the season starts now. But, I've been meeting with friends to run with. I know there are other people out there who are in shape so I've been trying to keep up. It's hard to stay motivated on my own, but once I get going, it's easier for me to keep a good pace."

3. Which part of the race is the hardest part?? First mile, second mile, third mile … and why??

"I'd have to say the second mile is the hardest. That first mile, you always feel good, but by the second mile, it starts to get you mentally and physically. You still think you have a long ways to go! But by the last mile, I feel like I'm near the finish so that gives you a bit of extra energy." 

4. Is there another OCC runner you helps push you out there, or do you mainly focus on what you need to do?

"I'm the only girl back from last season and because of COVID, I haven't had a chance to meet up. I run with some of the guys on our men's team, but they're so fast and they can wear me out. Last year, I was pretty much alone out there. The guys really push me, but they might push me too much!"

5. What are your goals for this upcoming year?

"Academically, I'd like to transfer next fall. I've got to grind out a couple more classes. Running wise, I'd really like to figure out my body and my connection between racing and training. I really want to step up my game and get the best out of each race. I've always trained real hard and raced OK, but I want to figure out how to be tougher and pull everything together for this year."  

6. If I gave you a 24-hour pass from COVID and you could do anything that you used to do, what would it be?? What do you miss the most from this isolation??

"I'd like to practice with my team! Also, I haven't had any family vacation this year. Usually we like to travel to Alaska, so that would be pretty awesome right about now." 

7. All kids like to eat … what are your favorite meals??

Favorite food in general – "Bread of all kinds."

Favorite pre-race snack – "Nothing specific … maybe a banana before runs. I usually eat pretty healthy."

Favorite post-race meal – "I Always crave burgers after a race. I love either In-n-Out burgers or The Habit." 

8. When you're not running, what do you enjoy doing?? Any hobbies or interests???

"I Love listening to music and I love to sing along. I don't listen to music while I train because it can mess with your pace. If I'm just out for a long run,  I enjoy actually to listen to chill-out music and just enjoy my run. Besides running and music, I also enjoy to sew!

9. What kind of coach has head coach Marco Ochoa been to you?? What lessons has he taught you the most about running or about life in general??

"He's taught me a lot and I still have a lot more to learn from him. He's got a lot to teach and I need to do a better job of asking more questions. He really knows what hes talking about especially when it comes to staying focused on what I'm trying to accomplish out there. He loves to mess around, but also keeps it serious, which is a perfect balance. He makes it fun, but he gets the most out of you." 

10. We talk a lot about Pirate Family and our department always wants to be there for their student athletes. When you think about your team and you think about our school, what do you think you'll miss the most after you move on from here??

"I'll definitely miss Coach Ochoa. He has a way of connecting with us. We had a huge team in track in high school, but the cross country team is a tighter-knit group and the team dynamic is so much more important. I will really miss that team camaraderie when I leave here. I'm so glad I went to Coast. I've been able to get a higher of an education than most four-year schools have to offer. The professors here are so very nice."