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Julie Nacouzi Athlete of Week
Montgomery (SR) star series of great races!
photo by Rich Gonzalez
Julie Nacouzi rolls to 17:42 at Clovis
Doug Speck DyeStatCal - assistance on choices by Mike Kennedy and Rich Gonzalez
A pleasant surprise this Fall has been the running of Julie Nacouzi from Montgomery HS in Santa Rosa, with big wins at the Stanford Invitational Division II at 17:55, and this past weekend winning at the Clovis Invitational Championship race at 17:42. She is probably the state's most improved quality performer since last year and we appreciate her taking the time out to answer our questions.
1) What were your thoughts on this past weekend’s race at the Clovis Invitational where you added to your series of fine races this year with a 17:42 win?
--This weekend I ran individually in the girl's championship race while the boys ran as a team. As to my thoughts, I was anxious, scared, curious, and excited before the race because I had learned from my coach, Val, that this race would consist of CA state-wide runners all jumbled together into a tight, competitive mob of runners. During the race, I verified that this race is the most competitive race I have run this season so my thoughts of placing in or near first turned to doubt and skepticism; however, by the second mile I was hopeful for a victory when I incredible passed the first place girl, Macy Bricks.
2) What was your general strategy-plan for the Clovis Meet and how did it play out?
--For Clovis, I strategized to focuse on pacing as a prority. For instance, there is not a huge need to sprint exhaustingly fast at a race's start because it is logical that a runner who sprints in the start of a long, Cross-Country race cannot maintain this pace. During the race, I paced well, running a slightly fast first mile.
3) You have been described as the “most improved” athlete in the state since last year in Cross-Country. What do you think are the reasons for this big jump to the front of packs in races?
The true answer is actually simple: running. I ran long runs every few days, at around 7 or 8 a.m. I was concerned with distance more than speed. Just as practice makes perfect, simply running overwhelmingly perfects a person's running skills. Also, I ran at a park, Annadel, that is full of steep hills and long, dirt trails.
All this running improved my pacing skills,
Now, I sometimes run with the boys on my team: Aria Kiani, Jose Mendoza, Jamie Goldfield, Michael Zanetti, Evan Combs, Ashwin Mathews, and Ben Theale, which is hard.
4) About how much running in minutes per day or miles per week did you do this summer in preparation?
--During first half of summer:
2 weeks off on vacation in Egypt
Random 6 mile bike rides in hilly, nearby Annadel State Park
3 times I ran 2.5 miles to Costco food store, stopped, and ran 2.5 miles back.
During second half of summer:
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday: 0 miles.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8-10 miles.
5) Santa Rosa has a great tradition in distance running, with Julia Stamps, Trina Cox, and from your own school, Sara Bei? How has this tradition affected you during your running career?
--Yes, Sara Bei went to Montgomery HS. Well, I was not really inspired by these girls, but I know from their experiences that running is beneficial physically, mentally, and successfully.
6) What is your favorite workout that you think prepares you for a Cross-Country 5k race?
--Long runs where people must discipline their bodies to endure the boringness of running or the pain and sweat for long durations of time. A day before races, a mile run suffices to losen the stiff muscles while maintaining energy in the body.
7) What are some of your goals for the rest of the Fall season and into the spring in Track and Field?
--That is a problem yet to be considered especially with the time consuming issue of junior- school-year projects and homework. Ideally, I will try to stay adequately fit before track season.
8) It looks like you come from a family of runners. How did you get your start in running, and what is it like to have members of the team who are your sisters running on the squad at the same time that you are?
--I started running in the 8th grade middle school year at the probing of my mom, Stephanie, who likes her children to stay fit to an adequate degree. A school sport is cheap and conveniently after and at school. I was good and became better with the encouragement of the coach, Mr. Walsh.
Leila, 14 years old, and Michelle, 17 years old, are my sisters on the same team as me. This is a special experience that will end next year when Michelle graduates. Cross Country seems more interesting because I always have Leila and Michelle to talk to and they cheer really loudly for me at races-especially Leila with her jumpy attitude.
Despite having my sisters on the team, there are other unique members: for instance, a girl has three different names of Arden, Sarah, and Angeli which I find fascinating.
9) What advice would you have for someone who is just starting the sport, maybe as a ninth grader?
--1. Pacing, not neccessarily sprinting at the start, is key.
2. Running- rather than doing drills, hiring a trainer, admiring others, or giving up- is the best way to naturally run faster.
3. Copying the styles and workouts of faster runners helps.
4. Sometimes I get interviewed after winning first place in a race. Just think about that but with you as the number one runner!
Thanks Julie
Continued good luck
DyeStatCal
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