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Mara Smith
June 29, 2006, Front Royal, VA - Warren County's Mara Smith
had an outstanding freshman year in both Track and Cross Country,
and promises to be a major contender as a sophomore. In a recent
conversation with Mara, I asked her what her goals were for the 2006
Cross Country season. "I really want to place well enough to
earn a medal at the State Championship" Smith said. That's an
ambitious goal, considering Smith will have to place eight positions
higher than last years performance to break the top 15 athletes at
the Group AA State Championship.
When asked what she is doing differently to prepare for the 2006
Cross Country season, Smith said "I am running EVERY day. Last
year, I took days off when I shouldn't have". Of course, this
is understandable since Smith was making the transition from eighth
grade to her freshman year of high school last summer. She
very much seems to understand the importance of sticking to her
scheduled runs that the coaches set for her, and the impact that
will have in early November for state competition. Smith also
plans to attend a running camp this summer to prepare for Cross
Country.
One thing is clear - Mara Smith had a fantastic season as a new
distance runner in her freshman year, and she appears to be
determined to make improvements. Mara is one of many athletes
in the Northwestern District that we look forward to covering this
fall! ♦
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