Future Stars Spotlight: Karenna Duffey

The freshmen from Michigan, Karenna Duffey already has a few wins under her belt with her fastest time of 17:40 coming from the MAC Division Championships two weeks ago (Oct 18, 2014). She then went on to win her Michigan regional meet and will compete in the Michigan State Championship this weekend. As part of the Future Stars Spotlights presented by Hoka One One, MileSplit interviews the rising star Duffey as she marks herself as one of the fastest freshmen this fall.

Interview with Macomb L'Anse Creuse North (MI) freshman Karenna Duffey

How did you first get started running and why?

I started running for a hobby and competitively in 6th grade when I joined my middle school's "running club." It was more just for fun then (I was a club/travel soccer player back then and that took up most of my free time).  But each year that passed, I realized I loved running more and more and it was a natural thing for me.

How was your summer training?

Summer training was fun, with all my teammates (we got Slurpees just about every day after training), although I would have liked to have slept in some mornings!  I really got in shape and much more fit with the summer training.  

What kind of mileage did you do over the summer months to get ready for the cross country season?

I started with 28-30 miles a week and then added about 2-3 miles each week thru the whole summer.

How exciting is it as just a freshmen to have almost not lost any high school cross country races?

My first two races (a Jamboree and the University of Detroit Mercy Tommy Titan race) I came in 3rd.  I was just kind of figuring out strategy and what I was capable of.  But after that I pushed myself more and just tried to do my best.  And the rest of my races I have won.  But I try not to focus on that, I try to focus on just doing my best and improving over the long term (all through high school).

What has been the biggest transition you had to make when you started competing in high school races?

I used to run without any strategy, really, I would just run as fast as I could.  Now I have learned to pace myself and use some strategy when I run. So that has been a transition I have had to make.

Just one regional over from you in MHSAA Regional 08 is Audrey Belf. How have you responded to being in the same state as such an accomplished runner as herself?

I haven't really thought about that too much.  I really try to focus on myself and my own goals.  But having great runners in my area - like Audrey, Samantha Hanson, Emma Wilson, Rachel Bonner, and many others, has motivated me and helped me.  I like competition and respond well to competition.

How are you approaching the State meet with Belf in it? Are there plans to go with her and give her a run for her money?

I just want to do my best and run my race. I am excited to race with so many great runners.  

What is your goal for your first Michigan State XC Championship Meet?

My goal is just to do my best and improve my PR.  If I do my best, then I am happy with the outcome..

What have you learned in your first season of high school competition?

Pacing is important!

How have you matured since you began running?

I am not sure, I have learned to stay calm and take it one race at a time. I guess that is a more mature approach for me than how I used to be with competing.

Are there growing pressures to perform as you continue to succeed?

Maybe a little bit, but I try to not think about that.

What are your top goals the remainder of the cross country season?

Do my best at the state finals!

When you graduate high school in 2018, what would you like to look back on and say that you accomplished with your high school running?

By the time I graduate, I would like to be able to say I was State Champ and competed on a regional and national level.

How do you appropriately think about the future and big goals without losing focus from the day to day necessitates as a runner?

I try to mainly think about the day to day things, but once in a while I do discuss and plan my future with my parents and coach.

What is your top running moment so far and why would you say that is the top moment?

It is hard to pick just one, the County Meet and MAC all league meet were my first time in the 17's, and winning the Spartan Invitational was very special because it was the first race where I began to understand strategy and started to see what I was capable of.

What is something else you enjoy doing outside of running? Give us a little insight into the life of Karenna Duffey away from the XC course and track.

Being outdoors, working out, making movies/videos, photography, and eating (ha! ha!)... Just about all my time away from the XC course and track is doing homework and studying, I have many honors courses and they require a lot of time if I want to keep my grades up.

What is your favorite pre-race food?

BAGELS! It is a team tradition.

Any odd pre-race or pre-run rituals you do?

I always take a shower the night before a race (instead of the morning of) and I wear the same socks for each race (my lucky socks, lol).

Who is the biggest inspiration for you in the sport, why?

Hmmmm, not sure, that is a tough one (and I have to get back to my homework).

Why do you run?

I just love it and want to have it be a part of my life forever.  I want to run in college and afterwards, too!