This is the seventy-first edition of The Duluth Runner Interview Series, where I get in touch with (mainly) local runners and athletes to share a bit of their story while inspiring others to pursue an active lifestyle.
Intro
“Hi, my name is Brijette LaCore and this is my running journey as a soon to be high schooler! My interests, abilities, and injuries all began last cross country season. This happened to also be the first year I took running seriously, it was amazing.
With a completely different running strategy, and the motivation from being 1 place away from making it to State, I’m looking forward to the start of cross country season this fall!”
Interview
When did you start running?
I started seriously running last year but I have been running my whole life! From Wednesday night races at 3 years old to high school cross country.
Why is running important to you?
Running is important to me because it keeps my body healthy but also helps me learn to keep going and to push myself. If you told me two years ago I would be running this much I wouldn’t believe you for a second, it is astonishing what we can do when we put our minds to it and don’t give up.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel like heading out the door for a workout?
My support team of family and friends along with the feeling of accomplishing my goal. Some days I simply do not want to run, but remembering the feeling of achieving my goal helps me keep running on!
What do you love most about being on a high school cross country/track team?
Most definitely it is the community. You will have hard days, but to look around and see all of the people going through it with you helps you keep moving forward.
Do you prefer roads, trails, or the track and why?
Out of the three it will always be trail running, I love seeing the scenery around me as I run!
What do you think about while you run?
On the days when my scenery makes me focus on the run itself I think about how this run makes me a better, stronger, runner. Along with how accomplished I will feel when I know I ran the best I could.
What is your most memorable race or running achievement?
The sections meet in 2021 where I placed just one away from making it to state, it helps motivate me to keep going!
Name one racing experience you would like to forget (please describe).
Racing at Grandview. This was my first time running this type of hilly course. I learned to pace myself, I didn’t do very good the first time! I had nothing left at the end to kick.
What is something non-endurance activity related you would like to share with readers?
The other sport I really love is lacrosse. I’ve been playing for 7 years! I play starting in the spring and continue throughout the summer. I’ve played in tournaments and games with all different teams. It’s a smaller sport for girls up here so I travel a lot. It has given me so many incredible experiences with so many people I never would have met without this sport!
Closing
Many thanks to Brijette for stopping by Duluth Runner to share some of her knowledge/experiences with everyone. I hope you enjoyed this edition of the Interview Series – stick around for more to come!