Out For A Run is a six-question, question-and-answer with an SMC Cross Country/Track athlete to learn more about each individual student-athlete. Our first feature is with Alyssa Escay.
 
Q1: What is more exciting/challenging for you as a runner - going short-distance or long-distance? 
A: For me personally, I've always thought going shorter distances are definitely more challenging but it's also very exciting at the same time. Incorporating sprint work in workouts like 200m or 100m repeats is a fun way to get in speed work and a faster turnover. Since I'm used to running further distances, it's fun to change things up and get the legs moving fast while feeling light and efficient. But it's also very challenging because I definitely struggle with trying to get a faster turnover. I could run for miles and miles but it's always been harder for me to try to get my legs to go into an all-out sprint. Doing things like short distance sprint work will help me built that faster turnover to become a stronger, better runner.
 
Q2: What is your favorite color for a running shoe?
A: My favorite color for a running shoe would probably be white. Lately I've been obsessed with the white Hoka Cliftons because they just pop. I feel like a white running shoe would just stand out on any trail and go with any outfit. The more I love the look of a running shoe, the more it makes me want to put them on and go out and run! 
 
Q3: If you could train with any athlete, who would you choose?
A: If I could train with any athlete, I would choose to train with Colleen Quigley. Colleen Quigley is an American Olympic runner who competes in the 1500m and the 3000m steeplechase. I would choose to train with Colleen because she's always been such an inspiration to me and I find her story very intriguing. She had no means of being an Olympic runner and had a career in modeling. But then she found her passion in running and decided to stop modeling in order to pursue what she loved. She's one of my favorite runners because she spreads such a positive attitude and is super real with her fans. She shares everything from her training, her workouts, her diet, and even her injuries. She isn't afraid to show the public the true ups and downs of running and that's why I find her so inspiring.
 
Q4: What songs go into your ideal running playlist to get you the most motivated?
A: I would definitely say that any upbeat/up-tempo songs are ideal to stay motivated. For pre-workout and pre-race playlists, I like to add a lot of rap or even just faster paced songs to help me focus and get in the mood to give 100%. My teammates and I on the way to workouts or races no matter what time it is, whether it's 5:50 AM or 9 PM, we love to play our favorite rap songs and sing and dance along. Listening to music also helps me calm down and forget about the nerves and just realize I'm doing something I truly love.
 
Q5: If you could run a marathon anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: If I could run a marathon anywhere in the world, it would have to be Greece. I've always dreamed about taking a trip to Greece, let alone go on a run there. It would just allow me to look around and really focus on the views and connect with the nature around me. A lot of the time on runs it's just so amazing to be able to look around and see everything around you. I can get lost in looking at the wonderful views around me that I even forget I'm running. So I think running a marathon in Greece would be a wonderful way to explore and also just connect with everything around me.
 
Q6: Where is your favorite hike located and what about it makes it your favorite?
A: My favorite hike would definitely be at Mt. Tam down to Stinson beach. I would do this hike every year with my family and it has phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean and Marin County. You can feel the breeze of the ocean while walking along the prettiest trees and flowers. And it's such a reward once you get to the bottom to be at a beautiful beach. The hike back up is definitely challenging but there's so much nature to take it on the way back up.