The state of Maryland has a deep returning list of elite caliber high school girls distance runners, but one name starts the season as #1 among them all in Annapolis junior Maria Coffin. A state runner-up in 4A for all three seasons this past year as well as owning the fastest 5K PR in the state by a wide margin of 17:19, MileSplit interviewed the top ranked Coffin as we approach the start of the cross country season and her season opener at the Seahawk Invitational this coming Saturday.
Interview with Annapolis junior Maria Coffin
MileSplit: How did you first get involved with running?
Coffin: My best friend's mom was an awesome local runner. In 7th grade she invited me to go with their family to some local races. I think the first one I did was Run for Shelter on the Eastern Shore, then I kept running races with the Annapolis Striders before high school. Definitely Trish Cunningham (Annapolis XC and track coach prior to her passing) is the person who got me into it. Everyone who knew her knows how awesome she was. My mom has also been a big influence on my running. She runs herself, so she has helped with my training and race strategy a ton.
MileSplit: Was there any specific early running moment or race where you realized that you could excel and become very good in running?
Coffin: When I placed #26 at XC states as a freshmen, I felt like I could do well in running.
MileSplit: You qualified and competed in the state meet as a freshmen in all three seasons. How valuable was that state meet experience gained in your first year of high school and what did you learn to use in your state meet races as a sophomore?
Coffin: Freshman year was really valuable because I was able to compete and learn the differences between XC, indoor, and outdoor. Last year I just felt more comfortable in all of the bigger races because I had run them as a freshman the year before.
MileSplit: Second place in all three seasons at the state meet as a sophomore. How did you feel about taking runner-up in all of those state championship meets? Any of the races did you feel you could have possibly won?
Coffin: I was really happy with my sophomore season, I did better than I expected to do. If I could have a do-over on any of those state races, it would be the outdoor 3200 at states. I know I could have run that race a little smarter/differently, but it was a good learning experience.
MileSplit: Does getting second so many times last year making you really hungry and motivated to win your first state title this year?
Coffin: Yes, I am motivated and hungry, but I try and keep it all in perspective. There is a lot of running to do between now and the end of outdoor track.
MileSplit: Which girls in the state do you respect the most as some of your toughest competition?
Coffin: Oh, there are so many strong girls around and we are all very close. I don't want to name anybody in fear of leaving out somebody else! It's great to just root for everyone in MD so we can get the respect some other states have for girl's running!
MileSplit: Last spring, twice you ran a 5K on the track including the Seahawk Invite and New Balance Nationals. How is running a 5K on the track compared to running the 1600 and 3200 or XC 5K? Do you enjoy it or think its an event suited well for you?
Coffin: For me, the longer the race the better. If they had a 10K in high school I would love to run it. I don't mind all of the laps on the track--I like trying to find a rhythm and decide when to make a move or hold something back. My favorite at the moment is probably XC 5K because it is a team sport, and because running outdoors in the Maryland woods this time of year is really fun. But I also really enjoyed running a 5k on the track this year.
MileSplit: Speaking of that 5K race at New Balance Nationals, an excellent performance for you in that 17:19 PR performance running in the same race with the likes of a Ryen Frazier. Recall that race and how it went for you to run so well? What was it like for you to run in one of your first national races?
Coffin: That was an awesome experience, and I was really happy with the 5K. There were weather delays so we didn't run until like midnight. They also combined the heats, so it was really helpful to be in a pack with some top national names! It was crazy to see girls like Ryen run so fast at midnight, then do it again in the 3200 the next afternoon! I didn't really have anything left in the tank on day 2, so I've been working on my strength.
MileSplit: Last year, you competed in the post-season at Foot Locker Northeast? Do you plan on going there again or NXN Southeast? How did you feel about your performance a year ago finishing 34th place?
Coffin: Yeah, Foot Locker NE was my first national race. Van Cortlandt Park is really challenging. Long flat first mile on a field, then insane hills and last year it was really cold! I also think I could have done better there, but it was a great learning experience. I'd love to go back, but I also want to try NXN, so I'll decide later in the Fall.
MileSplit: You are among the top 20 returnees from Foot Locker Northeast, so is qualifying for Foot Locker Nationals or any national meet a big goal for you this season? How amazing would it be for you to qualify for a national meet?
Coffin: It would be so awesome to qualify for Foot Locker or NXN nationals! Lots of running to do before then though!
MileSplit: Nearly sub 5 in the 1600 at the outdoor state meet. Is that one of your top goals now for the indoor and outdoor track season after coming so close?
Coffin: Yes I have goals! But I like to keep those numbers to myself. Hoping sub-5 comes soon!
MileSplit: How has your summer training been? What kind of mileage have you been getting in and did you go to any camps?
Coffin: I worked a job this summer, so I didn't go to a camp. But I did a good amount of mileage and some cross training, so I feel like I am in a good place to start the season.
MileSplit: Where are some of your favorite places to run and train at in the Annapolis area?
Coffin: Quiet Waters Park, the Naval Academy golf course, my neighborhood, or any place near water is usually fun.
MileSplit: What's the best or hardest workout you have ever done?
Coffin: One day last spring my coach had me do some hard interval workouts on the track. It was hard but it gave me a lot of confidence because my 400 splits were way better than I thought I could do.
MileSplit: Who would you consider as your role model in the sport and why?
Coffin: I actually look up to high school runners! It was fun following Allie Ostrander and Anna Rohrer last season on Milesplit! Libby Davidson was also truly an inspiration to watch. It was so cool to run with her at nationals. I just think it is cool that some people can be so fast.
MileSplit: What are some of the top invitational meets you plan on racing at this season?
Coffin: We have Seahawk Invite early on, Doc Jones, and of course BULL RUN! I wanted to do the DCXC thing but it conflicted with Bull Run.
MileSplit: What are some of your top goals for this cross country season?
Coffin: I want to focus on my training and get stronger and faster throughout the season. I also would like to work on my racing strategy. I want to win as many races as possible. I have some times in my head for different courses, but I like to keep them to myself.
MileSplit: What are other things that you enjoy doing or hobbies outside of running?
Coffin: Hanging out with my sister, teammate and best friend Avery, and other friends, especially at the beach. I like to sing and play guitar, piano, and ukulele. And I love Chipotle and Robeks.
