For most high school students on Kaua’i, summer was spent relaxing on the beach, staying home and sleeping in, or working a part-tme job, remaining stress and worry-free about the school year ahead. However, for Kaua‘i High School sophomore, Chelsea
For most high school students on Kaua’i, summer was spent relaxing on the beach, staying home and sleeping in, or working a part-tme job, remaining stress and worry-free about the school year ahead.
However, for Kaua‘i High School sophomore, Chelsea Smith-Wishard the past three months were spent continuosly training for the upcoming KIF cross-country season, which included participating in the Nike Green Mountain Running Camp at Lyndon State College in Vermont.
“It was my mom and uncle’s idea,” said Chelsea.
“I decided that it would be fun and that it would help me get in shape for cross-country.”
The Red Raider’s week-long camp experience included daily two-mile early morning runs, along with nine and a half mile afternoon runs on forest trails that led to rivers and lakes, with temperatures as low as 49 degrees.
“It was really cold, which made it harder to run,” said Chelsea.
“It was like running up in Koke’e.”
Running endless miles wasn’t all that was scheduled.
Learning proper nutrition, footwear, and techniques for becoming a better runner were all part of the package too.
“Carbs and protein are really important,” advised Chelsea. “Load up on them two days before a race, and stick with only carbs the day before.”
The motivated runner also suggests calcium and iron suppliments to maintain good health.
Students who attended the camp even had the opportunity to meet professional runners like Marcus O’Sullivan, who was a former world mile record holder, and Shalane Flanagan, one of the camp’s counselors who made it to the Olympics.
“Meeting all these runners made me realize that a lot of people take the sport seriously and work really hard to become better,” Chelsea added.
With a mile added to the girls’ race this coming cross-country season, making it three miles instead of two, Chelsea is doing additional training with track distance coach Richard Matsumoto to assure a smooth transition into the extended race.
With determination, Chelsea stated that her goal is to run the race in twenty minutes or less.
“I also want to place top five on the island and make it to states,” Chelsea said.
Last year, Chelsea’s best placement was fourth at the Island School race course.
Other accomplishments include running a 5:09 for the 1500 meter run and an 11:44 for the 3000 meter run this past track season, which qualified her for the state competition.
“I think Chelsea has incredible potential,” said Kaua’i High School cross-country coach, Debbie Engdahl.
“I want her to realize though, that she’s a sophomore, and that it’s important for her to remain healthy and injury free to make sure she has a successful senior year.” With just only a month and a half away until the first race in October, Chelsea is determined to get stronger and faster.
“Running is a mental sport,” Chelsea said.
“Believe in your self and take it slow at first.
It will get easier.
You’ll get in better shape and become faster if you take it slow.”
