2012 Track Chats - Haley Pierce

 

MileSplit - 4:44.09 1600, 2:12.32 800, and an amazing 8:59.73 4x800! What confidence does this give you personally for the end of the season? (Editor's Note: Prior to publishing Haley ran a 4:41.46/10:24.80 double for 1600m and 3200m at the DE Meet of Champs.)

Haley - This was a great weekend for me and my team! I’m happy to have been able to run these times at this point of the season. My training has been different than in the past and it aimed for me to peak at the very end of the season, around nationals. I have done a lot of strength work in the winter and I’m working on my speed now. These performances gave me a lot of confidence and I know that I should be on track for post season!

MileSplit - A solo-8:59 is fantastic, Grosse Pointe South did this a few weeks ago. Where is your team in terms of national caliber performances going forward?

Haley - We are getting faster each week and are very happy with our progress so far this season as a team. We have not made final decisions about what events we will be running at the national championship but are considering 4xmile, DMR, and open events as well.

MileSplit - What has your teams favorite memory been from outdoor season so far? Is this one of the best Tatnall teams ever?

Haley - Every year our team is different and we are fortunate to have great memories with each team. However, this year’s team has had real fire to race and go after higher goals. I think our favorite memory has to be this year at Penn. We wanted to go after the win so badly and we were thrilled to have accomplished that. Setting the Penn Relays DMR record was a huge bonus for us! 

MileSplit - When & how did you get started in track & field?

Haley - I decided to run cross country in 7th grade just for fun because I never really enjoyed the other sports offered in the fall at my school. I began to really like it and in 8th grade I decided to run up for the high school team. In 9th grade, I ran track and field and ever since then, I have not stopped loving it.

MileSplit - Person/people most influential to your success in track & field and why?

Haley - My coach has definitely been the person most influential to my success. He has inspired me to be the best I can and always believes in me. He has taught me some of the most important lessons I have learned in my life and I would be nowhere without his guidance. Also, my past teammates have been very influential to my success. When I was younger, they helped teach me the way and opened my eyes to a whole new level of running. I looked up to my teammate Juliet Bottorff in particular and I’m so thankful I had a chance to run with her. When I was a freshman she was breaking state records and always carried herself with such grace. I strive to be the role model for my team that she was to me. 

MileSplit - Your favorite track & field event(s)? why?

Haley - My favorite events are the mile and the 2 mile. I like both races a lot so it’s hard to decide which one is my favorite. I like the mile because it combines a mix of speed and endurance. And then I like the 2 mile because you can relax at certain points but you also need to be able to change gears and push yourself when tired.

MileSplit - Your track & field event coach(es) and what they mean to you?

Haley - My coach is the most special person I have had the privilege to run under for the past four years. I respect everything he has to say and want to make him proud. He has brought my team to a whole new level and pushed us to achieve great things. We are all so thankful for everything he does for us and how much he sacrifices to help us become not just better runners but also better people. 

MileSplit - Keys to your successful track & field training program?

Haley - We took a long term approach to my development and made sure we were having fun along the way. We often competed in different meets each year in different parts of the country to keep things fresh. Each year, I raised my expectations and strove to run faster. However, I think through all of this I have managed to keep things in perspective and not take everything too seriously. I believe that you must continue to enjoy what your doing or else the hard work does not seem worth it. 

MileSplit - Your favorite track & field meet and why?

Haley - Penn Relays is my favorite track meet because the atmosphere at Penn is unlike anywhere else. All of the best runners have run at this historic and prestigious meet. Running at Franklin Field in front of such a large crowd is such a special experience and the adrenaline rush is like no other. 

MileSplit - Your favorite performance in track & field and why?

Haley - I was really proud of my 3000 last year at Penn but I think my favorite performance would have to be winning the DMR at Penn this year. Sharing an experience with teammates is much more rewarding than any individual accomplishment. 

MileSplit - Track & field athlete(s) you most enjoy competing against and why?

Haley - I like competing against the friends I’ve made through running because they push me to run to my absolute best. 

MileSplit - Your greatest experience in track & field so far and why?

Haley - I think going to Nike Cross Nationals with my team was an unforgettable experience. In addition, The Nike Elite camp in Oregan last summer was a tremendous experience for me. I spent time with many of the nations top high school runners at this camp. Finally, being invited to run in elite races such as the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle, The Dream Mile in New York, and the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden, and the Boston Indoor Games has made my high school running experience extremely special.

MileSplit - Goals for the end of the 2012 track & field season?

Haley - I want to reach my highest level of racing at the end of the season when it matters most. I also want to race well against the best competition in the country. 

MileSplit - Long-term goals in track & field?

Haley - I would like to be a successful collegiate runner, experiment with different race distances in college, and push myself to a higher level every year I am in this sport. 

 

The Fun Run

Do you like rock or pop…

Haley - It depends on my mood but I like everything.

Do you like shorts or jeans…

Haley - I like jeans.

Do you like Words with Friends or Angry Birds…

Haley - I’ve never played either, I like draw something. 

Do you like Facebook or Instagram...

Haley - Facebook

Do you like going out or chilling at home...

Haley - I like going out but it depends. 

Do you like sun or snow...

Haley - Snow! I like sledding.

 

Haley's MileSplit Athlete Profile...