West Lafayette senior Bobbie Burgess had a monster season in 2011 finishing third at the state meet. This year, Burgess has her eyes set on the top of the podium, as well as, national caliber meets. She talks to MileSplit Indiana about her preparation for the upcoming season, her goals, the team outlook, and much more in this Spotlight Athlete feature.
How did you get started in the sport?
I started when I was in about 3rd grade in Hershey track. Since I was only in 3rd grade it was not a very serious thing for me, but I think it really sparked my interest in running. After Hershey track i joined Purdue Area Track Club, a junior olympic cross country team, and then once I was in old enough I ran for my junior high school team.
You placed 3rd last year at state as a junior. Why were you so successful in that race?
My Coach. Coach Steve Lewark knows his stuff. His workouts always made me really confident in my ability to contend. He is an expert at what he does. I was so successful because I knew I was able to rely on him to have me peak at the right time.
Then you went to FootLocker Midwest where you got 23rd. What was that experience like running against some of the top girls in the region?
It was a shock, I really did not understand what i was getting myself into. It was my first time running there and about half way through i started to understand the race. I just started picking girls off. Midwest girls in my opinion are the strongest out there, so it was great to run against the nation's best.
You ran a PR 10:49.27 in track and placed 7th in the 3200. How do you transition from track to cross country?
During the winter I swim for my high school team. It is a very demanding sport and is extremely hard. it keeps me in great physical and mental shape. I still run, but I don't have a set schedule. It is just sporadic to remind my legs what it's like to run again. I always come into track really strong and in shape.
What is a typical training week like for you?
I work and race really well with high mileage, strength kind of training. A typical summer week would be about seventy miles which may sound crazy for a highschool athlete, but I really like it, and thats how I run my best. My favorite workout is anything long, 5k repeats, 2 mile repeats, and 1 mile repeats.
Of the top 15 girls from state last year only three graduate. How tough is the competition in this state? Ashley Erba dropped an 18:05 last year and there are girls like Chanli Mundy and 10 other girls besides yourself who will all be contending for that top spot.
It is tough and it just keeps getting tougher. It's nice being a senior though because i've been around these girls and i know how they race. i can't wait to toe the line with them and see who is the toughest.
What will it take to make the top of the podium?
It's going to take a lot of physical and mental toughness along with experience. I think experience will help me and the other seniors, especially at the Lavern Gibson course. I have had a lot of good solid summer training. I believe that it is the most important part of the season.
The team finished 5th last year and you only lose Kelly Swift from your top five right. What is the outlook of this team this year?
We look really strong. We have some girls that ran JV last year, or were injured, and are looking really promising. There are also a few new freshman that could really help us out.
What meets are you looking forward to?
Footlocker Midwest. I really want to be a qualifier this year. So if everything goes to plan then I should be looking forward to Footlocker Nationals too. I know that I have what it take to qualify. I've put in so much work this summer. I am also looking forward to state and all of the tournament meets.
Do you have any Pre-race routines?
Not many really odd ones, but i always eat the same stuff, wear the same clothes. i have a few charms that i usually hold in my hand during the warm up, they are pretty special to me. I usually write something on my hand too, like a little saying to look down on during the race to inspire me to run faster.
What are your goals for your senior season?
Footlocker qualifier, state champion, and state team champions, and to run 17:40 or faster. Watch out for me this year. I have a good gut feeling.
What are your interests outside of running?
What are your interests outside of running?
I love to be outside either walking, hiking, biking, or swimming. I also like school which some might think is not normal.
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