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The Long-Distance Duo

The gun goes off; the 1600 meter race starts. The runners surge forward. Kelsey Mitchell cuts in at the 300 meter line and takes the lead. Clara Drozdowski, standing against the fence, cheers for her friend. At the same time, she is mentally preparing herself for her own 800 meter race. Although these girls run different events, they each have the same goal-to be the best they can.

Drozdowski and Mitchell, both sophomores at Woodland, have been running since middle school. Drozdowski started in sixth grade, and Mitchell in seventh. Both girls just went out on a limb joining the Long River Middle School Cross Country team.

“I had never heard of [cross country] until I got to middle school,” said Mitchell. “I just gave it a try.”

It was very much the same for Drozdowski.

“I always wanted to do a fall sport,” said Drozdowski, “and I loved running in soccer.”

These girls never really stop running. After running for Long River, the girls decided to continue with the sport as they moved into high school. Cross country in the fall led to indoor track in the winter, and then outdoor track in the spring. Drozdowski and Mitchell estimate that they run 20-25 miles every week during the track seasons, and more than 30 every week during the cross country season.

While Drozdowski competes in several different events during the outdoor track season, she excels in the 800 meter event. In fact, Drozdowski recently set a new school record for the open 800 race. Drozdowski finished the event with a time of 2:29, breaking the previous record of 2:32 set by Brittany Albright in 2010. This accomplishment was a long-term goal for Drozdowski.

“I’ve been trying to do it all season, so I was really happy when I got [the record],” said Drozdowski.

Mitchell has made her mark on the track team as well, particularly in the 1600 meter event. Mitchell’s personal record for the race is 5:44, and she never fails to deliver an amazing performance during her races. Her times in the 1600 have been so impressive this year that other members of the team have begun to refer to the event as the “Mitchell Mile”.

Despite the talent that these two girls possess, Drozdowski and Mitchell remain humble. Although winning is the goal, it is not always the first priority for them.

“I run races because I love the competition and seeing how much I can push myself,” said Drozdowski. “I just love running in general because it’s a way to clear my mind.”

Mitchell feels the same way.

“I enjoy racing and the competition,” said Mitchell. “When you run a good race, it makes you feel great about yourself.”

So what do Drozdowski and Mitchell think makes a successful athlete?

“Dedication and hardwork,” said Mitchell.

Drozdowski agrees.

“You really have to enjoy your sport or else you aren’t going to be motivated,” Drozdowski said.

While these athletes are motivated and hardworking, they are also a bit superstitious.

During cross country, both Drozdowski and Mitchell dine on pasta the night before a race in order to carb up. They also make sure that they have their lucky socks, which they have worn for every single race since cross country began this year. Both girls have other lucky charms as well.

“I always wear the same headband,” said Mitchell. “I just love the headband and it has always been the one I wear to races.”

Drozdowski has her own good luck charms.

“I only wear Nike spikes. They’re the most comfortable for me,” said Drozdowski. “And I’m pretty obsessive about how tight they are tied. I feel like they need to be tied perfectly so that I can run faster.”

These charms may be comforting, but the talent that Drozdowski and Mitchell have is undeniable.

From the looks of it, these girls will only get faster and faster as they continue with their high school running experience.

 

Photo Credit-   Steven Montambault