Q&A with Niceville cross country runners, sisters Elizabeth and Kate McMahon
NICEVILLE, Fla. — A Q&A with Elizabeth and Kate McMahon who are cross country runners at Niceville High School.
Name: Elizabeth McMahon
Age: 17
School: Niceville High School
Grade:聽 12
Sport: Cross Country
Sports participated in: Dance, Cross Country, Track
Years in current sport: 2
Name: Kate McMahon
Age: 15
School: Niceville High School
Grade: 10
Sport: Cross Country
Sports participated in: Soccer, Cross Country, Track
Years in current sport: 4
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Elizabeth McMahon: To run sub 22-minute 5k.
Kate McMahon: To run a sub 20-minute 5k.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?聽
Elizabeth: My mindset, I try to focus more on the positive than on the negative.
Kate: Mental mindset and I just try to play a song in my head to distract me.
What was the best advice you were ever given?聽
Elizabeth: The pain is temporary, so push your hardest.
What do you love about your sport?聽
Elizabeth: That everyone is given a chance to do their best.
Kate: I like the results after, and hanging out with my friends.
Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?聽
Elizabeth: I always make sure that I am hydrated and well-rested before a meet.
Kate: My hair is always the same and I always put my left shoe on first.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?聽
Elizabeth: Hang out with my friends and shop.
Kate: Watch tv shows and hanging out with friends.
What has being a member of a team taught you?聽
Elizabeth: That everyone has to work together to achieve our goals.
Kate: To support each other.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
Elizabeth: To strive to keep up with the person that鈥檚 ahead of you.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.聽
Elizabeth: I did not get out fast enough so I was boxed in, by always going out hard I am able to race to my best.
Kate: I tripped and fell during a race but I got back up.
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