Name: Katie Moore
School: St. James Academy
Q: What does your training look like right now given the current situation?
A: I'm still "track training" but with a little less intensity. I'm hoping to start gearing toward college training now but I'm not really sure what that's going to look like!
Q: What are you doing to stay busy other than run right now?
A: Other than running, I'm riding my horse and trying to find new hobbies like reading and drawing. Plus sleeping/napping probably way too much!
Q: What was your most memorable race/moment?
A: The most memorable race for me would definitely be when our 4x800 relay broke the state record at the state meet in 2018. It was one of those special times when everything just clicked for us and we all felt an unmatched appreciation for each other as teammates.
Q: What was the funniest thing that happened during your running career?
A: There are so many funny things that have happened during my running career but the entirety of my freshman year winter training was hilarious in itself. I convinced myself that it was ok to wear a tank top and shorts everyday without fail. I'm still not sure why I thought it was a good idea. One day, it was absolutely freezing out so Coach Bomhoff made me wear these XXL boys sweats he found in the lost and found. They were huge on my legs and I had to keep rolling them because they would start to fall. It was just overall embarrassing!!
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: The crazy and special thing about my high school career is that my biggest constant competition has been my own teammates, Hannah Robinson and Sarah Murrow. Although we specialize in our own events, we still line up together in the 800 and during XC season. It has been a privilege and a blessing to not only compete against them but to have them as training partners in daily practice. I owe them much credit for my success during my high school career. I've been blessed with other high level competitors throughout my years though including McKenzie Wilks, Victoria Robinson, McKenna Polus, the Mill Valley and St. Thomas Aquinas girls team, and many many strong cross country girls.
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment was probably winning the 400m dash at the state meet and setting my PR. It was something I never would have thought possible without the encouragement of my coaches and teammates.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I don't think I would change a ton but I would for sure believe in myself a lot more than I did at some points. I feel strongly that self doubt negatively impacts performance and that every athlete has the power to improve themselves by positive internal dialogue. I have had my greatest races when I was confident, calm, and ready to go.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: Last year during cross country season I had to sit out for EKL, regionals, State, and the post-high school season because of a hip injury. Not running for 3 months really set me back mentally and it took a lot of hard work to overcome. I needed to have this challenge, however, in order to grow in my running ability and my mentality.
Q: What will you miss the most?
A: I will for sure miss all the "little things," like the late Friday night meets where everyone on the team would get hyped up for the 4x4. It is an electric moment! It was always the highlight of my week and I will remember those times forever.
Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes?
A: Stay focused, disciplined, and motivated even when things aren't going your way. It's easy to get discouraged by setbacks, but be the strong athlete that isn't phased by them. Trust your training and don't hold anything back in races. Also, be grateful. This sport is so unique and does many wonderful things for the mind and body. Enjoy every practice and moment because you never know when it could be taken away.
Q: What kind of an impact has your coach had on you and your team?
A: My Coach, Greg Bomhoff, cares the absolute most for all of us. He is like another parent to us. He will shovel the whole track when it snows, give us the clothes on his back when it's too cold, and specialize each athlete's training to suit them the best. He dedicates hours and hours to this sport and his passion motivates each person to push themselves past what they thought they were capable of. I can speak for my whole team in saying that he's had such a special impact on each of us and not only motivates us to be better athletes but also better people. He has enhanced my running ability and encouraged me to believe in myself always. I have had so many excellent coaches that have impacted me in a positive way throughout my high school career.
Q: What are your college plans?
A: Next year, I will be running track and cross country at the University of Iowa and studying Radiation Sciences.
Q: Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?
A: I would like to thank my track and XC coaches, Coach Bomhoff and Coach Harber, my parents and the rest of my family, and especially God for giving me with this amazing sport and the ability to run. I have had so many people along the way supporting me and always rooting for me. I also want to thank my teammates for being the sisters I never had!
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: I just feel so grateful to have met many amazing friends and have had such incredible experiences through high school track! I know it will go down as some of the best years of my life.
Q: Favorite Meal?
A: A classic runner answer, but I love pasta with a salad and bread!
Q: If you could be any animal what would you choose? and why?
A: I would choose to be a dog since they live a low stress and happy life.
Q: Your favorite superhero?
A: Spiderman for sure
