By Kris Jost
Kent Island High School owes a BIG "Thank You" to the United States Air Force; not only for the honorable service of its men and women airmen, but for transferring Chief Master Sergeant Tvelia to Ft. Meade, Maryland!
After living in Alaska for three years, the family moved to Kent Island this past summer. Emma Tvelia started her junior year running Cross-Country for the KI Buccaneers and made an immediate impact for the team. So far this season she placed 1st for the team in each race, winning two Bayside League meets, and finishing in the Top-10 at more competitive Invitationals (7th- MD Track & Trail / 3rd- Tidewater Classic).
At the Tidewater Classic, Emma's 3rd place finish earned her the #2 ranking among Eastern Shore/Bayside League runners. Easton High School's Kathryn Gearhart dominated the race, winning in her standard fast-to-the-front style. A Delaware runner placed 2nd and Emma finished 3rd in a personal best 19:11 (5K). Competing in Alaska definitely prepared Emma for racing elite-level competition.
She often competed against the current Freshman Collegiate Phenom - Allie Ostrander! At the Outdoor State 4A Championships, Emma finished second to Ostrander in a 1600m PR time of 5:13! Although Emma prefers track, she understands the value of XC training and racing to build strength, endurance, and support faster times in the track seasons.
Watch her 800m race from Big C Relays in Alaska this past April!
Entering the 2015 XC Championship season, Emma looks like the runner with the best chance of challenging Gearhart in the early stages of the Bayside Championship race. She feels eager to compete and continue improving with each experience, while becoming more acclimated to her new environment.
Emma's strong performances so far this season definitely indicate a successful transition across the country and an ideal competitor. She endures challenges and remains focused on pursuing her goals to succeed. Best of luck to her at the Bayside Conference, 2A-East Region, and 2A State Championships!
MileSplit Spotlight Interview with Emma Tvelia
What brought your family to Maryland?
My family moved to Maryland because my Dad is a Chief Master Sergeant in the Air Force, and got stationed at Fort Meade
Major differences between Maryland & Alaska ... weather, geography, school/classes, team & competition?
There aren't any extravagant differences from being a student-athlete in Maryland to being one in Alaska. I would say I have a lot more relaxation time here because I get less homework than I did in Alaska. I like that a lot because I have more free time to do things like visualization, and I can get to bed earlier. And of course the whole feel of XC is different here as opposed to Alaska, but that's just because every place has their own kinda vibe and culture for running.
There are many differences about team and competition here. There is less competition where I am located as opposed to where I was in Alaska. I went to a 4A school in Alaska so there were tons of girls my speed and I always had someone to try and catch. My girls varsity team in Alaska was also pretty competitive. As for the team, I run most days with our second fastest girl, but on speed workout days I tag along with the boys' varsity team. The terrain is obviously a bit different, every course in Alaska was extremely hilly. The flat courses are definitely a huge change, but it's nice seeing the faster times.
What do you like most about ... living in Maryland? The Kent Island team?
I like the seasons here, that's one of my favorite things about living here so far. Fall is my favorite season and though it was beautiful in Alaska, it didn't last very long! My favorite part about the Kent Island team is the sense of humor, they're all so lighthearted and make practice a fun place to be at.
What do you miss most about living in Alaska?
One thing I miss most about Alaska is the scenery. It's absolutely breathtaking, anywhere you are. I also miss the running culture. XC and Track were one of the biggest high school sports, Alaskans are passionate about running. All of the courses were completely in the woods, so there would be tons of family and friends and coaches lined up all throughout the trails in the woods. There were very few instances where you did not have someone cheering alongside of you on the sidelines during a race.
Favorite season? Event?
My favorite running season is outdoor track (Alaska didn't have indoor). I've always favored track just a bit more than XC, although I do love both. My favorite event is definitely the 1600. It's the perfect distance because it requires a lot of speed, yet you still have to pace yourself.
Describe a meet or race that you feel most proud of so far this year.
A meet this year that I feel most proud about, for outdoor track, is Alaska State Championships. An XC meet so far this year that I'm most proud of is the Tidewater Invitational. It was a big PR for me, so I'm happy about that.
Watch her 5K PR race from Tidewater Fall Classic!
What is your greatest strength as a runner?
I feel that my greatest strength as a runner is that I am always striving to be better.
Describe a particular workout that makes you feel most confident in training & WHY.
Speed workouts make me feel most confident in training because that's when I push myself the most, and get to test my strength and show myself what I am capable of.
Describe a workout that really challenges your fitness.
Hill workouts really challenge my fitness, because no matter how often you do hills, they will always be a tough workout.
At this point in the season, what keeps you focused & excited?
At this point in the season, the bigger meets, such as Baysides, Regions, and State really keep me focused and excited.
What do you like/love most about XC?
What I love most about XC is the challenge. I like a good challenge, and a 5k will definitely give you just that. I also like that not every course is the same so there's always change, which makes it a bit more fun.
Describe your pre-race routine: (final meal/snack, music/playlist, rituals/superstitions)
My pre-race routine doesn't really change up that often. I usually stick to the same things, because I know it works. Before a race, typically on the bus ride to the meet, I'll visualize the race. Sometimes I'll watch previous races that my Dad has filmed of me, just to kind of remind myself of my past successes. The day before the race I'll eat pasta for dinner. I eat half a banana about 30 minutes before the race. I do not listen to music close to race time because I feel like that makes me more anxious, I like to have a clear mind to solely visualize and pay attention to my body.
What shoe brand do you prefer to wear?
I prefer to wear New Balance for training shoes. For spikes I'll either wear New Balance or Nike.
PRs: XC, 3200m, 1600m/mile, 800m, 400m
My PRs: 1600- 5:13, 800- 2:21, 400- 1:00
