We got a chance to talk to Birmingham Seaholm junior, Audrey Belf, after a perfect cross country season.
Personal Records:
400 Meter Dash - 1:04.01
800 Meter Run - 2:17.90
1600 Meter Run - 4:58.89
One Mile Run - 4:59.43
3000 Meter Run - 9:59.63
3200 Meter Run - 10:37.38
Two Mile Run - 10:22.46
5000 Meter Run - 16:54.83 (17:02.80 Cross Country)
Michigan MileSplit: What is it like going through an entire cross country season without losing a race? Did you have any this season would be as special as it was for you?
Audrey Belf: It is honestly surreal. At the beginning of the season, I had no idea it would be possible. After my first race, however, I made it my goal to be the first one across every finish line. I also strived to improve my times on every course from last year. In the previous years, I had never won a race. This was a pleasant improvement and a large motivator for me.
MI MileSplit: How do you like running at MIS for the state meet? Any course you'd rather see the meet run at?
AB: There are parts of the MIS course I enjoy and other parts that I do not, but overall, it is a pretty decent course. This year, however, it was not my favorite. The mud definitely slowed races down, and it was very challenging to find any firm ground. If the race could be run at any other venue, I would choose Michigan State. I absolutely love that course, and it is great for large races.
MI MileSplit: After the state meet, did you go back through the other divisions results and wish you could have raced girls like Kenzie Weiler or Kisten Olling like every division running together?
AB: I did look at the results from every division and, of course, would love the opportunity to race the best runners in Michigan. It would only help to make all of us better and stronger runners. I have always enjoyed the Spartan Invite because it provides me the opportunity to race some girls that are not in my division, region, county, or league.
MI MileSplit: It takes a big man to admit when he is wrong, and I am that man because I severely under-estimated your speed so far this indoor season! I incorrectly called the Elite Mile, then saw you run a very fast 800 and 400 the other day at U of M. Is that something you have worked on this indoor season?
AB: The indoor season is a time not only for me to improve upon my distance training and events, but also to try out new events and lower my times in some of the shorter races. Gaining the ability to race the 800 and mile competitively will help me become more versatile and better my 3200 and 5k times. I really want to work on my closing speed as well as become a stronger racer.
MI MileSplit: What are your goals for this indoor season? How about outdoor?
AB: My goals for the indoor season are to have fun racing and improve upon my times from last year. As for outdoor, I am also shooting to break my personal records and qualify for more national, international, and invitational races.
MI MileSplit: How/when did you get involved running cross country/track?
AB: I began running track in 6th grade, but soccer and swimming remained my main sports. In 8th grade, I added cross country to my string of activities and absolutely loved racing long distances. However, up until the spring of my 8th grade year, I was planning on swimming and not running in high school. I could not be happier with my decision to run cross country and track.
Quick Q's
MI MileSplit: Track or cross country?
AB: Cross Country, but track has really grown on me over the past two years. The two are becoming more even and providing me with equal enjoyment.
MI MileSplit: Winter or summer?
AB: Summer! I love the cooler temperatures at the start and end of winter, but I absolutely hate the snow, ice, and “polar vortex”. Summer can get really hot, but if I run in the morning it is the perfect temperature and there is no risk of slipping on ice.
MI MileSplit: Favorite place for breakfast?
AB: A large bowl of Cocoa Krispies and a comfy spot to relax after a run.
MI MileSplit: Movie you just saw or want to see?
AB: I would really like to see the movie “12 Years a Slave”, it looks phenomenal.
