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Athlete Interview - Nikki Hiltz of AptosPublished by
Nikki Hiltz of Aptos was on top of the world last Spring after winning the CIF State Championships in the 1600 in an amazing time of 4:42.45 – the US#3 time last season. But the fairy tale didn’t last long, as she received news of a season ending stress fracture in August as she built up her mileage for cross country. She endured surgery and a prolonged recovery which took her through the fall all the way into winter.
But Nikki is back on the track now, and she isn’t shying away from competition. She has a range few can match (from a 57.11 400 meters to a 10:48 3200), which makes her more than a little hard to beat. I caught up with Nikki as she was preparing for tough competition in the SCCAL meet and a post-season campaign.
Scott Joerger (SJ): Congratulations on a great season so far. How do you feel about where you are at this point in the season? Nikki Hiltz (NH): Thank you! At this point in my season I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish especially because of my late start. I feel very confident in my training so far this season. Although it is a long process coming back from my injury I am very happy with my progress. Running a 4:51 mile and splitting a 57 in a 4x4 are definitely big marks that give me great confidence moving forward into the championship season.
SJ: I understand you missed cross country in the fall due to a stress fracture. Tell us a little about that. How long did you have to take off, and what was the road to recovery like? NH: In August I got an MRI of my foot because it was bothering me throughout my summer training. After we looked at the results Dr. Saxena confirmed I had a pretty serious stress fracture through my tarsal navicular bone. He suggested I get surgery. I took his advice and on September 18th I had a screw drilled through my bone to fix the fracture. I was in a cast for 2 weeks, a non-weight bearing boot for another 6 weeks, and then a walking boot for another 2 weeks. It was a total of a 10 week recovery (8 of which were on crutches). I couldn’t run or train for 4 months. My first run back was December 18th and I could only run every other day on turf for 5 minutes. After weeks of physically therapy and running on an anti gravity treadmill my mileage slowly increased. The road back was very challenging and frustrating but once I was running again every day I was thrilled.
SJ: What is a typical training week like for you at this point in the season? What amount of mileage are you doing? NH: Right now in my training I run about 40 miles a week. A typical training week for me looks something like this:
SJ: What sports did you participate in growing up, and how did that lead you to track and cross country? NH: Growing up I was a very involved in competitive soccer I played for a total of 8 years. My coach would always put me in the midfield because that’s where most of the running is done. I quit my sophomore year because I wanted to focus on my running. Growing up 2 minutes from the ocean I’ve also learned to love surfing. Whenever I get the chance I grab my board and throw on my wetsuit for a quick session. In junior high I decided to go out for the jr high cross country team and that’s when I found my talent and love for running.
SJ: When did you realize you could be successful at this sport? NH: My sophomore year at the state meet I came in 3rd in the 1600 with a time of 4:43. After my race my coach Dan Gruber kept telling me how amazing of a time that was. It took me a while but I think a week or two later I finally realized I could actually be successful in this sport.
SJ: Who has had the most influence your running career and why? NH: My coach Dan Gruber has definitely had the most influence on my running career. I owe all of my success to him. Gruber has shaped me into the runner I am today. He gives me workouts that are challenging and help develop me mentally and physically. He encouraged me all throughout my ingury and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. And when it comes to mentally preparing me for a race I wouldn’t want any other coach. I think the most important thing Gruber has taught me throughout these 4 years is how to win. I love how Gruber doesn’t focus on time he always says that “if you win you will have the fastest time.” These words of wisdom have taught me how to compete and win rather then race the clock or worry about my pace or time.
SJ: Congratulations on choosing the University of Oregon. What other schools were on your short list, and why did you end up choosing Oregon? NH: Thank you so much! I am so thrilled to be duck! In July Gruber made me make a list of my top 4 schools. They were
After visiting all of these wonderful schools I found Oregon to be the best fit for me. I love the team and coach and have been dreaming of running at Oregon since I was a little girl. I ended up committing on my visit and I can’t wait to call historic Hayward field my home track.
SJ: You have put up top marks in both cross country and track and field. What is your favorite season and why? NH: Track is definitely my favorite season because I love the mile. It is the perfect race because you need both endurance and speed. I also love watching all the other events at a track meet such as pole vault and sprinting.
SJ: What are your goals for the remainder of the season? NH: My goals are to repeat as league, section, and state champion in the 1600m. It would also be great to win the 800 at CCS for the 3rd year in a row.
SJ: What do you like to do outside of track and cross country? NH: I am very involved with my school and am currently the senior class president. I also grew up surfing and whenever I am not running I am usually hanging out in the water or on the beach with my friends. I am also an avid skier and snowboarder in the winter.
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