Villa Maria Academy runner Sarah Raubenheimer is Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week
The Villa Maria senior finished first at the PIAA District 1 AA Cross-Country Championships at Lehigh University Oct. 20 with time of 19:04. She also won the AACA Championships with a clocking of 19:26. Off the cross-country trails, she is involved in a variety of activities at Villa Maria, including Student Council, Athletic and Spirit Association, Spanish Club, Mock Trial, Math League and Model UN.
Q: Can you tell us a little about the course and the weather conditions at the District 1 AA Championships? What was your most vivid memory of that race? What do you think was the key to your performance that day?
A: During Districts it was pretty cold. I remember starting the race and thinking how freezing my hands were. The course at Lehigh is pretty flat and is my favorite one of the season. My most vivid memory of the race was looking up at the clock at the first mile and trying to figure out what time I was going to run. I came in a lot faster than usual so I was worried I had gone out too hard. I tried to run a smooth race and focus on my form throughout the whole thing. I thought back to all the hard workouts I had done leading up to the race and told myself I was prepared for it.
Q: You mentioned that your best race of the fall season was probably at the AACA Championships. What do you think was the key to your performance that day?
A: I think the key to my performance was coming up with a plan for the course and the race. I knew that I had to push really hard on the downhills, really focus on the last 800 meters, and give everything I had when reaching the final straight. I also knew who I had to stay with in order to stay in the front. I felt really strong and in control the whole race, although I had someone right with me the whole time.
Q: Briefly describe for us your pre-race preparation on the day of a race.
A: For my pre-race preparation I like to listen to music and envision myself doing well. I envision myself running a smooth race and running through the finish line. I like to stretch a lot and hold my stretches for a long time to relieve soreness. I roll my muscles out with a roller to release soreness as well. I like to go on a good warm-up run to make sure I’m ready and get my heart rate up. I also try to get as much sleep as possible the night before because sleep is vital for success. I make sure I am eating totally clean (no junk food) at least two days before the race.
Q: Tell us a little about your running shoes, the type of shoe you favor and why.
A: I currently wear Brooks, but I also like New Balance. I like Brooks and New Balance because they tend to make their shoes a little wider, especially in the toe box, which suits my foot very well and prevents blisters. I favor shoes with a lot of support but not too heavy as well.
Q: What has been the most important thing you have learned in cross-country this fall?
A: I think this cross-country season I learned how important strength and recovery are. I did a lot more strength training this summer and found this to be vital to success. I discovered taking a vital break day to be extremely helpful too. I learned how to go with the flow and that every race doesn’t turn out exactly how you want. I also learned not to worry too much about times and just run for place because every course is different and varying in hardness.
Q: What’s your favorite local running venue and why?
A: I like running at the Exton park trails because of how beautiful they are and because they are all grass, which mimics a lot of cross country courses. I also like running on the Chester Valley Rail Trail because you can do an extremely long run on it.
Q: What aspect of your running are you working on most recently?
A: I am not that good at hills, so I am working on my ability to get up them. I also am working on getting stronger. I have a weaker core and as well as arms, and I am trying to improve these both in order to improve my running.
Q: Do you participate in any other sports or extracurricular activities at Villa Maria? What sparked your interest in these activities?
A: I am in Student Council, Athletic and Spirit Association, Spanish Club, Mock Trial, Math League, and Model UN. I also played soccer for my first two year of high school instead of running cross country. I really like getting involved in a variety of activities. For example, I love being a part of Athletic and Spirit Association to promote school spirit and Student Council to help govern the students.
Q: What would you like to major in at college?
A: I don’t exactly know what I want to major in in college. I like science particularly genetics and biology, so hopefully something in that field. I also like film and documentaries, so maybe I will double-major in science and art.
Fun Facts – Sarah Raubenheimer
Favorite book: Out Of My Mind.
Favorite author: John Krakauer.
Favorite TV show: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
Favorite movie: Everest.
Favorite athlete: Eluid Kipchoge.
Favorite pre-race pump-up song: Work It by Missy Elliott.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Zimbabwe.
Favorite pre-race meal: For breakfast, oatmeal; for lunch, quinoa and chicken.
Person I most admire: “I admire my Mom and Dad because they are so hard-working. I also admire my friends because they show kindness to everyone.”
(To be selected as Main Line Girls Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by her coach.)
