NM XC Top 30 Senior Girls: Mackenzie Everett

La Cueva's Mackenzie Everett has been a driving force for the Bears since 2013. Photo by Phyllis Smith.

With the regular season in the rear view mirror, we now are counting down the days until the state reconvenes in Rio Rancho for the Big Dance. Until then, we will pass the time getting to know this season's Senior Class.

As noted before, questionnaires were handed out at the Jamboree, or emailed to those who were not in attendance, and this is what we get. The Top 30 Seniors were determined from the 5K Rankings before the Jamboree, then adjusted after the Jamboree. If a kid was Top 30 before the race, they received a questionnare, if they raced themselves into the 30, then they were emailed a questionnarie after. With that, we continue our series with La Cueva's senior staple, Mackenzie Everett.

NM Milesplit Top 30 Senior Profile - #7 Mackenzie Everett

What are your Goals for the 2014 XC Season? How are the progressing toward them?

My goal is to be in the Top 5 at the State Championships.  I have been pushing through an injury all season.  I would love for my team to be District Champions. And a repeat of State Champions with my team would be amazing.  Through the season I am giving my best everyday - whatever that may be - stretching and taking care of my body.

What does a typical week of training look like for you? Do you Cross Train?

Monday - speed workout, Tuesday - Fitness run, Wednesday - Long runs in the foothills, Thursday - moderate run, Friday - easy run with a meet on Saturday.

Cross training:  I participate in my school's Marching Band and that is more physical than most people think.  

Describe your favorite workout and tell why it’s your favorite.

My favorite workout is mile repeats - I like the endurance of them.  It is based on making it through and pushing yourself.

How long have you been running and how did you get started?

I have been running Cross Country since 8th grade, track since 7th grade. I swam and played soccer since I was 5 years old. I got started in all my activities by watching my two older brothers - they are 8 and 10 years old than me. Running was always my favorite.

What is your favorite and toughest race so far?

Metro Championships this year has been my favorite race. Academy is my favorite course. This year’s race we started out fast and I broke 19 minutes, I didn't know I had that in me.

Describe your favorite XC memory.

State last year because I remember running in the race, my teammate Abi was right behind me - pushing me to do something I didn't know I had in me - which led to my great track season. And my Freshman year, there were a number of band kids on the XC team. During marching season we have stadium rehearsals to go to during XC practice. The group of band kids would all go do their workout together and arrived late for the stadium rehearsal. It was fun to be all together.

Out of all your accomplishments, which one(s) stand out?

Being Third at State last year behind the Ambergs. We continued our fun rivalry through the track season.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Art - photo, band, ceramics.  They help to relieve stress and helps me focus on my other classes.

When you’re not running, what do you like to do?

Rock climbing, band and throwing pieces in ceramics.

How have your Coaches influenced you?

I had to be persistent with Coach Nick in the beginning and in return I listened to him.

What are your plans after graduation?

Go to college - so far this is about all.  I have not decided what I want to study.

Fast 6

  1. Your favorite pre-race meal: a plain bagel
  2. What shoes do you train/race in: Through my injury I tried a lot of shoes.  I now run in Muzuno.  I race in New Balance but like Nike racers.
  3. Favorite athlete (running or non-running): Alex Willis - he is so crazy and pushes himself beyond what is expected of him.
  4. Favorite song: Survival - Muse 
  5. Favorite book: The Great Gatsby
  6. Favorite quote: "Some people never go crazy, what terrible lives they must lead."  Charles Bukowski