Janelle Ferguson, 9
4th grade, Gifted Program at King School

I've been running for...

4 years.

I started running because...

My brother Shawn runs. I watched him at the Ben Newson Running Camp, but was too young to sign up. I was bored watching and not participating. The next summer I was able to run at the Ben Newson Camp too.

Running makes me feel pride in myself.

I enjoy the recognition from coaches, teammates and the adult road runners.

I enjoy the sensation of speed when running.

My favorite race is...

The Heritage Run. It's lots of fun and they give away prizes. I enjoy the downtown and the large crowds that cheer you on.

My favorite thing to do after a hard workout is...

To drink Gatorade.

I like to run with...

My teammates on the Wildcats. I have so many friends with the Wildcats. I love cheering for them. It is really neat when we spray each others hair with colored hair spray.

A challenge I've overcome is...

Running a mile in less than 7 minutes at the State Street Mile. It was hard to do, especially with so many older kids running around me.

When I'm not running I like to...

Swim for the Stingrays or roller blade.

I'm inspired by...

My brother Shawn. He is more than just a brother, he is my friend and teacher. He looks out for me.

The local runner I admire most is...

Mike Mapes. He encourages me, guides me and discusses my running form.

To push myself on a run I...

Try to beat my last run time. Sometimes I focus on the runner who beat me in the last race.

My greatest accomplishment was...

Running 5 miles in last years Snow Run in January. It was cold. At that time it was the longest race I'd attempted. I remember the steep hill at the very end of the race.

My next goal is...

To run a 5K in 22 minutes.

My advice to new runners is...

Don't give up. Start out slow and be patient. Set modest goals in the beginning.

I plan to run...

All my life.