Patrice Jones, 11
Student at Machesney Park Elementary, band member, and Illinois Elite Track Team Member

I've been running for 6 years, 2 at the Elite level for youth.

I started running because my mom’s best friend recommended that I try the Park District Summer Track Program. She felt I had a talent for running and jumping.

If I could no longer run, I would swim and play music.

My favorite run is the mile warm ups before my speed training. It relaxes me and gets me mentally ready for my workout.

I like to run with my mom and sometimes my dad when he is not racing me.

Something most people don't know about me is that I’ve traveled across the United States to compete in National Youth Track and Field Championships, and I now have the interest of an Olympic trainer. I am his first youth athlete, at my age, that he has taken time to mentor. My father is in weekly contact with him to get my workouts for speed, endurance, and long jump conditioning.

My favorite thing to do after a hard workout is eat my granola bar, watch Sponge Bob, and relax.

When I'm not running I like to swim with the YMCA Stingrays.

I am inspired by my parents; they encourage me to keep working hard and to do my best, and also to try new things.

An obstacle or challenge I’ve overcome with my running is...in 2006 I injured my groan muscle, it was difficult to trust myself again after I was afraid to workout because of the injury, but I did overcome it and made it to the Jr. Olympics in the Long Jump only that year. Now my biggest challenge is to believe that I can go beyond what I did last year.

The local runners I most admire are the guys at Runners Image (Steve Jaycox, Anthony, and Mr. Sharp), because they know a lot about what runners need and they always know just what type of shoes or equipment that me and my family need for the type of running we do. They help lots of runners and I think that is cool.

To push myself on a run, I say to my self, "I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me," over and over.

My greatest running accomplishment is becoming the sub midget girls Region 6B champion in the 200 meter dash and the Long Jump, and the Region 6B silver medalist in the 400 meter dash, this qualified me to go on to compete in the 2007 AAU National Jr. Olympic games in Knoxville, TN, that was webcasted for the first time around the world. It was the largest youth track and field event in the country where over 18,000 athletes participated.

My next goal is to be a Midget Girl National Medalist in the 400 meter dash open, National Champion in the Long Jump, and a part of a National Champion 4x400 meter relay team.

My advice to other runners is to eat right, get lots of rest, believe in you, and keep working hard.

I plan to run until I’m not able to run anymore, which I hope is never.