2004 FOOT LOCKER CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Post-race interview with Brianna Felnagle

by Ricky Quintana

Brianna Felnagle, a senior at Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma, Washington, finished sixth at the 2004 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships in 18:02. She qualified for nationals by finishing second at the inaugural Nike Team Nationals one week earlier.

Brianna Felnagle (Photo: Alison Wade/NYRR)

Fast-Women.com: How did the race go?
Brianna Felnagle: It was good. It was hard for me. Fast pace is not my thing and it kind of kicked my ass.

FW: Was it fast from the beginning for you?
BF: Yeah, the first mile was like 5:20. At home, I'm used to going out by myself in like 5:50. It was like 30 seconds faster.

FW: How were the hills?
BF: They were so hard. When we came up here, it was flat and I was dreading the whole last half of the course. It was all uphill.

FW: How did you feel about your finish?
BF: I'm happy. I really wanted to finish in the top five, but I figured if I got top 10, that would be pretty good. I think I was sixth. I wanted to do better, but it's fine.

FW: Were you able to put in your potent kick in the end?
BF: Yeah, I was able to pick off two girls in the last 400 meters. I just wish I had more strength, then I could stay with them for the whole thing.

FW: You had fantastic track season last year. Are you looking forward to next track season?
BF: Track is my favorite. I only started cross country to get in shape for track. I'm so stoked for track.

FW: What events will you focus on?
BF: The 800 and the mile.

FW: Is there any particular event in which you are going to try to hit a good time in the post season?
BF: The mile. That's my favorite.

FW: Any predictions?
BF: I want to go low 4:40s. That's my hope.

(Interview conducted on December 11, 2004, and posted on December 15, 2004.)