Catching up with recently graduated San Benito runner Courtney Allen...

Today we catch up with former San Benito runner and soon to be UNLV Running Rebel, Courtney Allen. She just recently completed a highly successful senior year in both cross country and track and field. During cross country, Allen finished in 4th place at the CCS Division I race and went on to record a sub 19 minute time on the Woodward Park course at the state meet. During the track and field season, Allen recorded four impressive victories at her league finals as she won the 1600m. (5:16.99), 400m. (58.52), 800m. (2:19.84) and ran a leg on the winning 1600m. relay team (4:07.29). At the CCS final, Allen defeated Allison Sturges of Mt. View in a great stretch duel recording a 4:59.08 for the victory.

1) When did you first start participating in cross country and track and field?
I first started XC my freshman year and I also did track too.

2) When you were first starting out in the sport, what runners did you look up to as role models for yourself (on your own team or other teams)?
When I first started running, I looked up to one of the seniors on our team, Amanda Boyd.

3) During your high school career, did you have a favorite between the two sports?
At first, I liked XC way better, so much better that I did sprinting my freshman year of track. But now, I like track a lot better than XC.

4) What other sports did you participate in during high school or before?
I participated in soccer my freshman and sophomore year, and did it for a few years before. I also competed in gymnastics before that for about five years.

5) When did you first feel like you had a shot of making the state meet in track?
This past season of track, I was the most confident in knowing I could make it to the state track meet.

6) What did a typical week look like for you in terms of training and racing? Miles per week?
For track, my training was mostly speed not just a bunch of miles per week. I would say maybe only up to 20 miles per week. XC, we ran a lot more distance maybe up to 30 to 40 miles a week, with speed and tolerance track workouts.

7) What was your plan going into the CCS final 1600 race and how did the race unfold for you?
My coach and I strategized the race together. He told me he knew I could win it, but it would take patience. I was confident enough to stay with the first pack and that's what I did. Eventually, it came down to the last 110m and my competitor kinda pushed me to the outside of the track. We linked arms but I just kept running. It kinda seemed like she pushed me but it came down to who had the most left and the bigger heart and I won.

8) Tell us a little about your coach and what he has meant to your development as a runner.
My coach, Jess Morales, is a really exceptional coach. I would not be where I am today without his help and determination. He really did a lot for me as a runner and as a person overall.

9) How much did running contribute in your decision in choosing UNLV?
My parents told me I could go to college wherever I wanted to, no matter how much it was, they would support my decision. I chose UNLV because, I really get along with the coach and they have good academic services and a beautiful campus.

10) Favorite cross country course? Woodward Park
Favorite cross country meet? Clovis Invitational
Favorite track distance? 1600m or the 400m
Favorite track meet? West Valley Relays
Favorite competitor? one who is faster than me.

11) What advice would you give a young runner who aspires to run at the state meet?
To push themselves and never give up cause it will get you no where, not just in running but in life also.

Thank you!
Live Well.
- Courtney Allen

Thank you very much for your time Courtney. AJC!