Allie Dalton: Off to Fast Start at New School


The first meet of the year is in the books with the Triton Central Early Bird kicking off the season last night. The meet had a repeat champ on the girls side, Allie Dalton, but she represented a different school. The junior transferred from Greenwood Community High School to Greenwood Christian. Dalton, one of the top girls in the state, improved her performance from last year by 30 seconds clocking in at 18:34, over two minutes faster than the next competitor. We caught up with Dalton to talk about her race and her transition to a new school.

Congrats on your first race, walk us through the race. How did it play out? How did you feel?

My first mile, I felt, was easy and relaxed. I think it was around a 5:30. After that my legs began to feel the effects of the previous day's run and the change in terrain(I had only run on the grass a couple times this summer). The last two mile were definitely a mental race, and my coaches and teammates helped by squiring me with water(which I found did not help because it only made me want to laugh as I ran) and cheering me into the finish. I felt by the end of the race that their was still more in the tank, but only time will tell.

What was your goal going into the race?

My goal going into the race was, honestly, a PR, but I was still encouraged by the 18:34.

You're now at a new school, Greenwood Christian, are you enjoying the transition to the new team? What has that process been like for you?

I am most definitely enjoying the transition to GCA. I am loving the Christian environment and all the new friends I have made. I have felt very blessed by God to have this opportunity to further my education with a school who values Christian morals.

Running runs in the family as your brother, David, runs for Purdue and was 2nd in 2013. What is it like to have an older brother to be successful in the same sport? Do you learn anything from him?

I have learned so much from my brother's experience. I have learned how important it is to train hard, keep a good attitude, and(most importantly) how to glorify God through your successes. He has always been the guinea pig(or the Bunny Rabbit as I called him during an interview a few years ago). I am so proud of all he has accomplished and look up to him every day as my role model.

You’ve had a great first two years. Reflecting on that time, what have you enjoyed the most?

Over the last two years I have definitely enjoyed meeting all the other runners in the state of Indiana including the swag junior class, aka, Boomish.

What have you learned during that time?

I have learned many things through my running career. Injury and setbacks are a part of the sport. Sometimes God has a plan that surpasses your understanding, but you can bet that it's a good one.

What are your goals for the season?

My goal this season is to run as low as possible on the 17 minutes. I would also like to go to Footlocker Nationals and win state.

How did you start running?

I stated running when I was in 4th grade. It started off as a simple, yet very tiring, 3 mile run with my dad. My brother joining the cross team, convinced me to do the same. In 5th grade I ran for the Greenwood Middle School, and then I ran for the high school.
What has been your favorite memory so far?

My favorite moment the last two years of racing in high school was definitely Semi-state last year. It was just one of those wins that left me all sappy and crying, but my favorite part of the race was hearing my brother cheer me on with a mile to go. Just a year before he had won the guys race, and knowing that that last mile was when he decided to go, it excited me to know that I had carried on the "tradition."