Senior Katie Tallett used to hate running, but now she cannot live without it. In only her second track season, she has become one of the fastest distance runners in Xavier history. So far this season, Tallett has collected one first place and three second place finishes in the 3000-meter run, as well as one first place finish in the 1500-meter run.

“I found that the longer distances are much easier to run since I have good endurance and a slower pace than what is required to be mid-distance,” Tallett said. “Longer distances are all mental, while shorter are all about speed.”

Tallett has come very close to accomplishing her goals for this season. She is seconds away in reaching her goal time of under five minutes for the 1500-meter run and her personal best time for the 3000-meter run is ten seconds behind the school record of 10:33.

“Another goal of mine is to go to the Drake Relays in the 3000m and state for the 3000m, 1500m, and distance medley,” Tallett said. “I would also love to place top five or anything below tenth place at state.”

With only two meets before the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Tallett hopes to hone in on these goals. She has shown no signs of slowing down in reaching her goals.

“I would say that Katie has shown that hard work and dedication certainly do pay off,” Girls’ Head Coach Bryan Jones said. “The effort she gives in practice translates to her success in races, and I think the rest of the team can see that.”

Tallett also had a rewarding cross country season, as she qualified for state. This has pushed her to have a successful track season as well.

“I think that all the work she had done prior to and during the cross country season, and the success it garnered her, has definitely fueled her success in track,” Coach Jones said.

Tallett looks to secure her spot at the Drake Relays tonight, Thursday, April 20, as she races at the Waterloo West Invite.

Caitlin Kramer

Sports Co-Editor