NM XC Top 30 Senior Girls: Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson was an integral member to Taos' ability to repeat as State Cross Country Champions. Photo by Holly Patterson.

The 2014 New Mexico Cross Country season has entered the post-season and now we wait for the Outdoor Season to begin. Until then, we wil pass the time continuing to get to know this season's Senior Class.

As noted previously, 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 Taos Tiger senior, Emma Patterson.

NM Milesplit Top 30 Senior Profile - #14 Emma Patterson

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

A typical week of training for me is running about 6 days a week. I also played soccer, so after cross practice I get my cleats and shin guards on and go to soccer practice. On Wednesdays, when I don't have soccer practice, I ride my bike up the ski valley road, an eight mile stretch of uphill. My favorite work out is

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

This is my first cross-country season. I have never been a strong runner until this year. I started running during track season, and that's when I found a new passion.

What is your favorite and toughest race so far?

The toughest race so far has been my home race. It's also my favorite. The first time I ran it, I died out and didn't do too well. The second time, I pushed myself where I needed to and got a new PR.

Describe your favorite XC memory.

My favorite cross country memory is the whole team singing Taylor swift on the bus. It just shows how close all of us are, and I love that about my team.

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

Out of all of my accomplishments, I would say that getting a perfect score our first race this season stands out most to me. It wasn't the competition that pushed us, but each other. And we ended up at the top.

What is your favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school is science and math. Science because I love the concepts, and math because I have to work to learn and understand it.

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

When I'm not running I like to be in the mountains. Whether it's hiking, skiing, or biking I can always be myself.

How have your Coaches influenced you?

My coaches have influenced my ability to push myself beyond what I could have imagined. When we're running our mile repeats, my coach always tells me to embrace the pain because it's only temporary. I can apply this to my everyday life because when life gets hard, you just have to push through.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to go to college somewhere that I can ski. Utah, British Columbia, Montana, Colorado, etc. I want to major in chemistry. I will also definitely continue to run. It makes me feel stress free, and allows me to leave whatever I'm doing and come back after my run feeling rejuvenated.

Fast 6

  1. Your favorite pre-race meal: peanut butter on rice cakes with banana on top.
  2. What shoes do you train/race in: La Sportiva/Saucony
  3. Favorite athlete (running or non-running): Ingrid Backstrom - professional skier - she pushes herself, and made her own path to her successful skiing career.
  4. Favorite song: Silver lining by First Aid Kit
  5. Favorite book: The Kite Runner
  6. Favorite quote: "When you're dead, you don't know that you are dead. It is only painful for other people. It's the same when you're stupid." -Unknown

Thank you for your time Emma, and congratulations on a great 2014 season.