MileSplit S.D. Elite Series: Gretchen Blain, Spearfish HS

<p> <img alt="" src="http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/360696/milesplit_sd.jpg" style="width: 615px; height: 226px;" /></p> <p> &nbsp;</p> <p> MileSplit South Dakota will feature the top cross country runners in the land this fall, one-by-one until the S.D.H.S.A.A. State Cross Country Meet in Rapid City at the end of October.&nbsp;</p>

What kind of shape are you in heading into the State Meet?

I think that I am in the best shape of the year thanks to Coach VanDeest's workout plans.

How did your track season go last spring? What were your best times, places or races?

At state track I got 4th in the 2 mile and 5th in the mile. I ran a 11:33 two mile and a 5:19 mile.

What are your goals for the State Meet and into the Post-Season?

My goal is to do the best that I can and to help motivate my team. I am hoping for a top 10 finish.

Where do you see your team placing this season?

I see my team placing in the top 5. We have all worked really hard and I hope our team score will show that.

What did your summer training look like?

I ran around 400 miles taking only about a day off each week with a weekly mileage around 35 to 40 miles. I got to run a week at an altitude training camp in Colorado, too.

Who do you see as the top individuals in the state (either class, AA, A or B)?

Tamara Gorman and Allison Green from AA and Hailey Streff from A and Macy Heinz for B.

What are your favorite workouts?

Probably long runs and threshold workouts

What is your favorite pre-race: Meal? Music? Routine?

My favorite pre-race meal is pancakes and syrup. I like the song "Hall of Fame" by the Script. I don't really have a pre-race routine

Favorite music, bands?

My favorite music is either country or pop music and my favorite singer is Carrie Underwood.

Favorite subject in school?

My favorite subject in school is math.

Hobbies?

I like to hang out with friends and go on walks with my dogs.

If you could train with any one person, past or present, who would it be?

I would train with Savannah Childers. She is a great teammate and we push each other during practice.

<p> <img alt="" src="http://cache.milesplit.com/user_files/360696/milesplit_sd.jpg" style="width: 615px; height: 226px;" /></p>