Before this fall, Anna Rohrer was not a household name. Now the sophomore from Mishawaka High School in Indiana is among the favorites to win the Foot Locker national title. How on earth did she go from a 11:11 3200m runner to the best in the nation?

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How does this season compare to last year?

This season is a complete breakthrough compared to last season!  Last year, I completed half the season before breaking my foot and this year I've gone six weeks beyond the season.  I have a lot more confidence in my racing and I have learned not to underestimate myself.

Following your injury freshman year, when did you start training again?

After breaking my foot September 17^th, 2011, I was able to begin running (very low mileage) in the middle of February.  My training mainly consisted of biking and aqua jogging, with running to supplement.

After the Indiana state meet, what sort of goals did you discuss with coach Kowalewski?

My main goal was to finish in the top 10 at Foot Locker Midwest Regional.  I also wanted to run a sub-17.

How did you tackle your first real summer of training? How does someone go from being seventeenth in the state 3200m to first in cross country? 

I made sure to be patient with my mileage and supplement with a lot of miles on the bike.  I also worked on my form each day and made an effort to get stronger.

Were you surprised of any of your early season performances?

I surprised myself immensely throughout the season!  My original goal time for the end of this season was 18:25, which I broke my first meet.  I was not expecting to be among the top in the state so early in the season.


What's more amazing: Her course record or the fact that she didn't wear gloves when it was in the 20's.

What were you thinking going into the Indiana state championship? How did the race play out?

I knew I was a contender for the state title and I just kept reminding myself to stay tough and stay relaxed.  The first K was pretty fast, but by the 2K, Ashley and I had separated ourselves from the lead pack.  She threw in a surge at the two mile, and I made sure to stick with her.  The last half mile was just guts and a test to see who had the most left.

Foot Locker Finals is this Saturday. How do your current goals compare to your pre-season goals?

My preseason goal consisted of placing top ten at state and running low 18s.  Now, my goals are to win Foot Locker Nationals and run a sub 16:50.

Favorite workout?

My favorite workout is a timed fartlek.  I like to go 2:30 hard, and 2 minutes easy.  I mainly enjoy this because it's a nonstop workout.

If you had to go for a run with any person, dead or alive, who would it be?

That would be Steve Prefontaine because I admire his work ethic and determination.

What's at the top of your Christmas wish list?

A GPS watch!