NM XC Top 30 Senior Girls: Taylor Bacon

Nov 03, 2014

Desert Academy's Taylor Bacon has been a prominent part of the Wildcat attack since 2010. Photo by Wink Bacon.

As the 2014 New Mexico Cross Country season winds down, 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 Desert Academy's senior stand out, Taylor Bacon.

NM Milesplit Top 30 Senior Profile - #19 Taylor Bacon

What are your goals for the 2014 XC Season? How are you progressing towards them?

I usually don’t go into the season with specific time goals, just the desire to improve and push myself as hard as I can! This year is no exception, as a senior I just want to leave everything I have out there and finish the season without any regrets.

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

People are surprised to find out how little I run…usually only about 20 miles a week…My workouts are always a surprise and I’ve learned to just trust my coaches.

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

My favorite workout is probably thousand repeats…it hurts like crazy but I always feel so strong and accomplished when I finish.

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

I ran my first 5k in 6^th grade in a little over 45 minutes. I started cross-country in 7^th grade but didn’t start track until 9^th grade because I was very opposed to the idea of running in circles.

What is your favorite and toughest race so far?

My favorite race so far has been the Northern New Mexico Championship because it was perfect running weather. The toughest has probably been UNM Lobo Invitational because I hadn’t really gotten into racing mentality yet.

Describe your favorite XC memory.

In 8^th grade my friends and I really did not want to run at practice and we convinced our coach to let us play tag…the only requirement was that you couldn’t stop running!

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

Track state, 2014. I’d had the 5:20 1600m record in my mind since then end of last season and when I came across the line and saw my time I was so happy. It was one of the first times that I’d had a concrete goal all season and reaching that goal was incredible.

What is your favorite subject in school?

Math!

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

I swim over the winter and I always love reading and spending time with my family and friends…but most of the time it’s homework.

How have your coaches influenced you?

My coaches have been an incredible influence in my life. They are incredibly supportive and always inspire me to push myself. I don’t know what I would do without them.

What are your plans after graduation?

Right now I’m planning on running for a DIII school most likely on the East Coast and majoring in Engineering!