Santa Teresa's Britani Gonzales was four year member of a dangerously potent three pronged attack for the Desert Warriors. 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 Santa Teresa senior, Britani Gonzales.
NM Milesplit Top 30 Senior Profile - #18 Britani Gonzales
What were your Goals for the 2014 XC Season? How did you progress toward them?
My goal for the 2014 Cross Country season was to be able to medal in the Top 10. I needed to make every run and workout intense and hit the times I needed in order to make it in the Top 10.
What does a typical week of training look like for you? Do you Cross Train?
A typical week of training consists of two workouts from 45-50 minutes, a 6.5 mile run, a 10 mile run, a shake off day and our race. Example:
Sunday- 10 mile
Monday- workout
Tuesday- 6.5 mile run
Wednesday- shake off
Thursday- work-out
Friday - no practice
Saturday- Race
we do not cross train.
Describe your favorite workout and tell why it’s your favorite.
My favorite workout would have to be any track workout really. I like my 200s and 150s.
How long have you been running and how did you get started?
I have been running for 9 years. I began running in the 4th grade. I went to a private school that offered football, volleyball, basketball, and track. I always participated in as many sports as I possibly could. I played volleyball, basketball and track until my 8th grade year when I played volleyball, and ran cross country for the high school, basketball and track. I have been running ever since.
What is your favorite and toughest race so far?
My favorite race is the 800 and it is also the toughest race because it’s a lot of strategy. It is not a full blown sprint but not at a pace either.
Describe your favorite XC memory.
My favorite cross country memory would have to be all the clumsiness that comes with the courses, so basically all the times I have fallen.
Out of all your accomplishments, which one(s) stand out?
The accomplishments that stand out are during Track. Sophomore year when I was State Champion and broke the State Record was probably the biggest win I have had because the race was so close.
What is your favorite subject in school?
My favorite subject in school is math.
When you’re not running, what do you like to do?
When I am not running I like to go shopping and be with my friends.
How have your Coaches influenced you?
My coaches have influenced me because they have accomplished so much when they were runners so they know what it is like to be dedicated and work hard. My coaches always keep me up and on my feet with their motivation and they give me the mentality that I can do it.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I want to attend and run for a college. Hopefully break 2 minutes in my 800 and go to school to study kinesiology to become and athletic trainer.
Fast 6
Your favorite pre-race meal: my favorite pre race meal is oatmeal.
What shoes do you train/race in: I train in nike or asics, which are also my race shoes.
Favorite athlete (running or non-running): I do not have a favorite athlete. I enjoy watching many sports and players and their unique way in playing.
Favorite song: my favorite song constantly changes but as of right now it is “Somewhere in my car,” by Keith Urban and “Shake it off,” by Taylor Swift
Favorite book: I do not have a favorite book.
Favorite quote: "Everything happens for a reason"
Thank you for you time Britani and congratulations on an excellent senior season.