Q&A: Laura Fairchild from Flower Mound

2017 Track Road to State

Apr 27, 2017

Laura Fairchild got 2nd at the UIL 6A - District 5 meet, and then 3rd at the 5-6 area meet the next weekend

Laura Fairchild, a junior from Flower Mound High School, has had a strong season. She is currently ranked #8 in the state in the 1600m and is on her way to compete at the 6A Region 1 meet tomorrow. Since the beginning of her freshman year, she has been in one of the most challenging districts across Texas for distance runners. We had the opportunity to talk with her about her season so far and also about her transition from Hebron to Flower Mound Sophomore year. Check out her interview below and keep it locked to Texas MileSplit for our coverage along the road to state.

Texas MileSplit: What is your secret to your excellent performances since freshman year?

Laura: Coach Grennier had a good program that worked for my freshman year but the beginning of sophomore year I started to have shin splints. Soon after I learned I was moving schools and the transition of programs didn't help my new injury. It took me awhile to get used to the different programs but now I love coach Cooks program and I feel like he's working me to excellence.

Texas MileSplit: How does being in a challenging district for track and field affect your performances? Does it push you harder or is it discouraging?

Laura: I like having a hard district because I get to compete with fast girls all the time and we all push each other to reach higher goals that we couldn't have accomplished without one another.

Texas MileSplit: When you switched from Hebron to Flower Mound, how did it affect you? Is there a significant difference in coaching styles and are the team dynamics different?

Laura: Switching schools took a toll on my body and is partly what caused my shin splints end of freshman year, then off and on through sophomore year. Also, being forced to run JV sophomore year didn't help my times. There is a big difference in workouts and the team atmosphere. My sister, who graduated last year, and I joked around about the different team dynamics but we soon adapted and now we feel a part of the Flower Mound Cross Country and Track family.

Texas MileSplit: Who or what inspires you to run and why?

Laura: I've always loved to run and everyone in elementary and middle school called me "Speedy Gonzales." By high school, there was no doubt I wanted to join cross country. Both my parents were runners so they inspired me to keep running but not pressuring me.

Texas MileSplit: Have you started looking at colleges yet?

Laura: I have only visited a small handful of colleges but have no preference.

Texas MileSplit: What is your favorite track event and why?

Laura: The 1600m is my favorite event because I get that burning sensation in my legs and I get to fight against that voice in my head, but at the same time I feel alive and free.

Texas MileSplit: Are there any championship meets you are hoping to attend this season?

Laura: I hope to make it to state in the 1600 this year. I've made it to regionals, so I have one more race to achieve my goal.

Tx MileSplit: What goals do you have for the end of the UIL Season?

Laura: My personal goal is to get into the low 4:50's by the end of the season. It would also be nice to get first in a race.

Fun Questions

Tx MileSplit: Whataburger or Chic-fil-a??

Laura: Definitely, Chick-fil-a because even though they're both not that healthy, Chick-fil-a is wayyyyyy yummier!

Tx MileSplit: Rap or Country?

Laura: Country all day every day. Grew up on a farm our family always goes to and we all love Country.