Julien Webster (Catoctin)
1st, Brunswick Invitational: 18:18.20
Photo by Jeff Lagasse
After winning the small school division (second overall) at last year's Brunswick Invitational, Julien Webster had the first overall place in her sights entering this year's edition of the meet. She broke away from the pack early on and never looked back, increasing her lead throughout the race and winning by over a minute and a half. MileSplit asked her about her dominant performance from this past weekend.
MileSplit MD: Last year, you won the small school division at this meet and were second overall. How did your experience on the course help you on Saturday?
Julien Webster: I've run this course multiple times, but the start was different this year. Last year we started by going up a hill but this year it wasn't the same. I knew what to expect throughout the race and where I had to push the hardest.
MS: Entering the day, was your race plan to create such a large gap between yourself and the rest of the field as early as you did?
JW: Well the start this year was very narrow in the beginning so I knew I had to get out in front quickly. I just got out as quick as I could and tried to keep in front.
MS: Mentally, was it hard to convince yourself to pull ahead of the pack so early?
JW: I actually did not realize how far ahead I was until later on in the race. I knew what pace I needed to be on so I just focused on what I needed to do and ran my race.
MS: What do you feel is the biggest improvement you've made in your training (or otherwise) compared to last year at this time?
JW: This summer I became much more focused with my training and set more specific goals. As a result I am more confident this year in my physical ability to reach the goals I have set.
MS: You've got Track and Trail coming up this Saturday where you finished second last year. What is it going to take for you to win the race this season?
JW: The Track and Trail course is a fast one. I know there will be plenty of competition on Saturday, so I'll have to get an early lead and try to stay there. Because this course is so flat it will be more of a mental challenge; remaining focused will be key.
MS: Do you have any specific time or place goals this season?
JW: This season I hope to set new PRs and run faster than I did last year at each course. Last year our team placed third at states and this year our goals is to become state champs!