By Carolyn Linck, '11

After a strong showing in her first season of running cross country at Santa Clara University, sophomore Carey Parker (CP) hopes to improve even more in her second campaign.  Recently www.SantaClaraBronocos.com (SCB) had the chance to catch up with Parker about how she started running, her goals for this season and her favorite thing about cross country at SCU.

SCB: When did you start running? How did you get into it?

CP: I didn't start running cross country until my sophomore year of high school, and I didn't start running track until I was a junior. I only turned out for cross country my sophomore year because I thought I wouldn't make my high school's soccer team.  

SCB: Do you prefer to run by yourself or with others?

CP: I definitely prefer to run with other people. It gets boring running by yourself.  

SCB: You are from Seattle originally. Do you like to run in the rain?

CP: I have lived in Seattle my entire life, so rain is my favorite weather to run in. I feel more accomplished after a run when I am covered in mud.  

SCB: Where's your favorite place to run?

CP: My favorite place to run is in Seattle. It's a run that starts from my house and goes through wetlands and bridges and through what is called Foster Island and the Arboretum.  

SCB: How are you preparing for the upcoming season? What's your training regimen like?

CP: I am coming off an injury from the spring so training for this cross country  season has included a lot more preparation. Due to my leg surgery in January, coming back has been a slow process. Throughout the season I plan to continue to work up my mileage.  

SCB: What's your favorite thing about being on the cross country team at Santa Clara?

CP: The best part of cross country at Santa Clara is my team. We always have a good time when we are together and keep each other going all year through the tough workouts.   

SCB: What are your goals for the upcoming season?

CP: My goals for this upcoming season are to PR (personal record) in both the 5k and the 6k and for our team to place top two in the WCC.  

SCB: Do you listen to music while you run? If so, what's on your playlist?

CP: I don't usually listen to music while running because I like to be able to think while I run.  

SCB: You also played tennis in high school. Do you still play now for fun?

CP: I played tennis my first two years of high school but had to quit to run track. I still play occasionally for fun.