MileSplit Interview with Nicki Southerland of Delta

Nicki Southerland is a sophomore at Delta High School in Muncie, Indiana. She recently finished as runner-up at the cross country state meet. She owns track personal bests of 2:10.73 in the 800 and 4:50.10 in the 1600. Her 17:27.90 cross country 5k at the Maconaquah Invitational last year was 2nd in the state and 107th in the nation. We interviewed Nicki to discuss her running career and how she got to where she is today.

MileSplit Indiana: Thanks for joining us, Nicki! You've been a big name in Indiana distance running the last several years. When did you first get into running? Does anyone else in your family run?

Nicki Southerland: I have been running ever since I was little. My mom runs also, and she signed me up for races ever since I was young.

MileSplit Indiana: Your high school, Delta, is a school of only 800 people. What is it like being on a small team? What is the team culture like?

Nicki Southerland: I like being on a small team because we are really close and supportive of each other. We like to do things together outside of running too, like have bonfires, go to the movies, and go bowling. The team makes the sport more fun and they feel like a second family.

MileSplit Indiana: In the fall of 2020, you placed 9th at the IHSAA Cross Country State Championship. Last fall, you finished as runner-up to Lily Cridge of Bishop Chatard. How did you adjust your training from 2020 to 2021 in order to improve even more last cross country season?

Nicki Southerland: In 2021, I was able to do more of the training that I wanted and I got in some harder workouts.

MileSplit Indiana: Speaking of training, what is your favorite workout? What is your least favorite workout?

Nicki Southerland: My favorite workout is probably repeat workouts because they are hard, but very rewarding.

MileSplit Indiana: At the 2021 Riverview Health Invitational, you unfortunately dropped out on the very hot and humid morning. How did you come back stronger after this race to end the season with your runner-up finish at state?

Nicki Southerland: This race helped me to come back stronger because it made me realize that I needed to drink even more water than I had been and I also needed more electrolytes. I believe this helped improve my performance without requiring me to work any harder. I also had to take a week off of physical activity after that race, which rested my legs, but didn't make me lose any physical fitness. When I did come back, I was very ready to run again and I resumed my workouts that I had been doing previously.

MileSplit Indiana: The track season is quickly approaching. You competed in both the 800 and 1600 at the state meet last year and finished 3rd in both. Describe those races and how you felt about them.

Nicki Southerland: I was extremely happy with my 3rd place finishes in both the 800 and 1600 at state. Having not ever competed in a track meet that big, I think I went out a little fast in the 1600 and learned some things about running against a field of talented competitors. Overall, I felt really good in both of the races and was pleased with the outcome.

MileSplit Indiana: According to our database, you already have 33 victories between both track and cross country as a sophomore. Most runners never even get the chance to win a single race. What is it like to win a race? What is your favorite race you've won?

Nicki Southerland: It is super exciting to win a race. Each race is special and each one feels both rewarding and thrilling to win in its own way. Winning a race is the reward from the years of hard work that I have put in. My favorite race I've won so far during my high school career is probably the Marion Invitational race my freshman year. I believe I ran really well in that race and it was a very competitive race.

MileSplit Indiana: Let's talk about goals. What are some goals you have for this upcoming track season? What are some long-term high school goals you have?

Nicki Southerland: My goal for this track season is to win state in at least one of my events. My long-term high school goal is to win a state championship in one of my events and improve my times.

MileSplit Indiana: Many runners have their own routine, but sometimes the advice of another person can be extremely beneficial. What is some advice you have for other runners out there? 

Nicki Southerland: My advice for other runners is to put in the work all season with your big goal in mind, and then everything else will fall into place.

MileSplit Indiana: Who is your favorite professional runner out there right now?

Nicki Southerland: Sarah Hall.

MileSplit Indiana: What are some of your favorite things to do outside of running? How do you like to spend your free time?

Nicki Southerland: I like to cook a lot. I also like to go on walks, bike rides, and sew.

MileSplit Indiana: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you travel?

Nicki Southerland: I would like to travel to Europe and see Germany and hike the Cinque Terre Hike.