Breakout season for Abby Gray

 

Junior Abby Gray is the current 5A leader and has a best 5k time of 17:22 from the McNeil Invitational. She was third at the state championships in the 3200m with a PR of 10:53, and has a 1600m PR of 4:57. Gray is on fire this season, consistently dropping times as well as running 3 sub-18 5ks in a row.

 

 

How did you first get started in running?

Gray: My first 3rd grade Mile Run at my elementary school.

 
What are your top goals for this cross country season?

Gray: Nike Nationals, Footlocker Nationals and 1st at State.
 
 
What would you consider as your greatest strength as a runner and the area that you would like to most improve upon?
 
Gray: I think my greatest strength is my ability to keep a pace for a certain amount of miles. The area I would most like to improve on is my finish.
 
 
What would you pick was your top running achievement so far and why?
 
Gray: Running a 17:22 at the McNeil Meet, because it gave me more confidence for the next time I run on that course.
 
 
You improve significantly from season to season. What has led to such drastic improvement?
 
Gray: Staying focused on my goals, staying mentally strong while racing, putting in the work during the summer and watching what things I eat.
 
 
Do you feel extra pressure being ranked 1st in all of 5A?
 
Gray: Not really, because although being ranked number 1 in 5A is exciting at the moment, nothing is official until everyone races at the State meet.
 
 
What would winning the state championships mean to you?
 
Gray: Winning a State championship would mean the world to me and is definitely a top goal for the rest of my high school running career.
 
 
Did you have any setbacks or disappointments your sophomore year, and if so what did you learn from them?
 
Gray: Yes, one major setback to me was being mentally unprepared at last years state cross country meet, but looking back on that experience I think it made me a stronger and more confident runner.
 
 
What's the best running advice you've ever gotten?

Gray: The best running advice I've ever gotten was to "Run for those who don't have the ability to."