Catching up with Sonoma Academy senior runner, Josie Hill

Today, we chat with Sonoma Academy senior, Josie Hill. Last year, Hill transferred to SA after spending her first two years at Technology School in Rohnert Park. During the fall, Hill sat out the first month of the season due to a transfer and quickly made herself known by winning the small-school Artichoke Invitational race. She completed her cross country season by finishing in the top 10 at the state meet, leading the Coyotes to a 5th place finish in Division V. During the track and field season, Hill once again sat out the first month of the season and quickly made a big statement with a 2:06.38 opening 800. She recorded her fastest time in the 1600 with a time of 4:50.56 at the Stanford Invitational. In the 800, Hil was NCS champion, finished 3rd at the state meet and concluded her season with a victory at the Hoka Festival of Miles 800.

1)  What sports did you participate in before high school? What are your favorite memories and achievements from that time?
I did Girls on the Run in 4th and 5th grade, which is where I originally fell in love with running and racing. My biggest achievement in that time period was winning the girls on the run 5k in my area in the 5th grade. 

2)  What sports did you participate in during your two years at Technology, and what were the highlights?
I participated in track and cross country during both my years at Technology. A highlight was qualifying as an individual for my first state cross country trip, my freshman year. Another highlight was winning the open section of Arcadia in the 800 with a time of 2:09.12, my sophomore year, and qualifying for state finals in track that year as well.

3)  You transferred to a new school and coach this past school year. How has Coach Puppione helped your development as a runner and as a person?
Coach Pup has been a big help in so many ways to my development as a runner and as a person. What stands out to me most, though, is being able to go through my season without worrying about my training or whether I'm running the right meets because I trust his plan and training 100%, and I know he will help me reach my goals. As an athlete, only having to focus on showing up and getting the work in is such an advantage. 

4)  How important has the Sonoma Academy team been to your development? What do your teammates bring out of you that you might not get from training alone?
Being a part of Sonoma Academy's team has been a HUGE part of my development.  For cross country last year, qualifying for state as a team was such an amazing experience, and the motivation of running for the other runners on your team, not just yourself, is huge. Training-wise, being on this team has made an even bigger difference. I train with a group of our rising junior boys, and they are truly the best people to have by your side during a hard workout. I have so much gratitude for them because while we may not be racing together, they have gotten me through so many hard workouts. Training in the right group and having a crew you can lean on for support when the workout or season gets hard is so helpful. 

5)  You lowered your 800m time this past track season, running 2:05.86, which is the 2nd fastest time in NCS history. When did you first realize that kind of performance was possible?
I realized that kind of performance was possible at my season opener when I ran 2:06.38. I knew it was going to happen; it just needed to be the right race.

6)  That performance came at the Hoka Festival of Miles 800, which you won. What do you remember most about that meet, and what did you learn from the experience?
What stood out to me most about that meet was honestly the environment. Everyone was super hyped to be there, there was music, and the crowd was very energetic. I went into that race with such a feeling of joy and gratitude to be there. That race taught me that when you step back from the nerves and focus on your love of the sport, amazing things can happen.

7)  What does a typical week of training look like when preparing for an important 800m versus preparing for cross country?
Usually, I would start off on Monday with some 800s at tempo effort and then do a speed ladder. Tuesday, I would go on a medium-length recovery run; Wednesday, I would do some more speed; Thursday, I would have off; and Friday, I would have my pre-meet tune-up, where I would practice getting off the line and my mid-race rhythm. For XC at the beginning of the week, the training pretty much remains the same as always. Near the end of the week, we might focus on some faster stuff or running things at race rhythm.

8)  What have you learned about racing the 800m that you wish you had known when you first started competing in the event?
I wish I had known to try to find a more relaxed rhythm on the first lap instead of just taking it out very fast. I also wish I had known that it is a rough race and you need to be assertive early on in the more competitive races.

9)  You have had success across multiple distances. Is there a particular race or performance you are most proud of, even if it is not your fastest time? Why?
I am most proud of my sophomore year Arcadia 800. I ran my own race that day, and it was definitely an eye-opening experience. 

10) What was the most difficult part of transitioning from being a very good high school runner to competing at your current level?
Probably the increase in training and coming to the realization that everyone I'm competing against now is working very hard. At this level, no one is running purely off of natural talent; everyone is putting in the work one way or another. 

11) Could you share some of your favorites and training details?

 - Favorite XC course, invitational, and workout?

Artichoke Invitational 2.3-mile course, Artichoke Invitational, repeat miles.

- Favorite track event, invitational, and workout?

The 800, Arcadia, speed ladder!

 - Favorite long run and trail?

I love doing my long runs on the trails around Spring Lake! We also did some beautiful long runs out in Pt. Reyes this summer.

- Approximate weekly mileage and longest run?

Just under 40 miles a week right now. My longest run is about 9-10 miles

- Any supplemental training?

I cross train two times a week, usually for about an hour each time on the elliptical.

- Favorite free time activity or interest outside of running?

I love eating and trying new foods! I am also on a dance team, and we help run dance classes, which is a lot of fun. 

12) What are you hoping to accomplish during your final year of high school running, and is there a particular race or goal you are especially excited about?
My biggest goal this year is to win the 800 at state. It's something I definitely think I am capable of and it has been a goal of mine for a while now. 

13) Looking beyond high school, what are your goals for your running career and what are you looking for in a college program?
I am looking forward to running in college which will be a great opportunity to push the limits and chase the fastest version of myself. I am looking for a competitive collegiate program with coaches that will push me to be the best runner I can be. 

Thank you very much for your time, Josie. AJC