Pre-Race Interview with Stephanie Madia, December 7, 2001

By Alison Wade

Stephanie Madia on her way to a 23rd-place 18:06 finish - a PR - at the 2001 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships. (Alison Wade/New York Road Runners)

Stephanie Madia Bio

You were eighth in the Northeast Regional, how does it feel to make it here to Foot Locker Nationals?
I'm very excited. I had never run any Foot Locker races before so it was a good experience. I was really paranoid that I wouldn't qualify so I did everything I could to not go out too hard and just stay with the top group. I learned a lot about racing at the Regional and I think I can run a lot smarter here.

What would a "smarter" race involve?
Just not starting too fast and trusting the race plan that I've used all season.

What is your goal here?
I'd like to get a personal-best time. My best is 18:12 so I'll be happy if I can do that, I also want to run a smart race.

What do you think of the whole Foot Locker experience so far?
Well I've been blessed with a wonderful season, this is one more exciting thing to add to it.

Do you have college plans yet?
Yes, I'm going to go to the University of Notre Dame.

You won the Pennsylvania State Meet for the first time this season over Jessica Cickay and then she beat you at the Regional, is there a bit of a rivalry between the two of you now?
I think it's exciting that we're both here, it shows that Pennsylvania is really strong. We're both going to go after it and it's helpful to have each other because we know what we can do.

Is your family here to watch you race?
My coach and my family are coming down, I think they're here now, actually. I'm excited.

Are you worried about the weather at all?
Everyone has to run in the heat, basically my goal is to trust the gifts I've been given and go after it. You can analyze everything but I think just having a good time and using what God's given you is best.