University of Richmond Athletics
20 Questions with Stephanie Paradis
09/22/2011 | Cross Country
Editor's Note: Throughout the 2011 season we will sit down with a Spider cross country runner each week and have them answer a set of 20 questions about their lives both on and off the course. This week we interview junior Stephanie Paradis, who captured the top spot at the Spider Alumni Open to lead the team to victory over William and Mary on September 3.
RichmondSpiders.com
(RS): Why did you first decide to become a runner?
Stephanie Paradis (SP): I decided to
run track my freshmen year of high school because I wanted to do an after-school
activity. Three of my best friends were running as well.
RS: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make when moving from high
school cross country to running in college?
SP: The amount of rest that I got as
well as the amount of miles we ran.
RS: What did it feel like to win the 2011 Spider Alumni Open?
SP: It felt amazing! It was
the first race that I won in college and that definitely heightened my
confidence.
RS: What is the most unusual or creative workout you've ever run at
practice?
SP: In high school we did 200
meter relay workouts, and I thought that was really creative and fun.
RS: What team or individual performance are you most proud of?
SP: I am really proud of being a
part of the A-10 Championship team last year. The positive spirit was
everywhere, especially because the men's team also won.
RS: Where is your favorite place to run?
SP: I love to run on trails
because they are always different and the scenery is great.
RS: What is your favorite Virginia tradition?
SP: I am not exactly sure what
this question means, but I love that you are allowed to wear jewelry while
racing in Virginia college races.
RS: What is the coolest part of being a member of the Richmond cross
country team?
SP: I love being a part of a
team that has a fantastic reputation. I also love having people that are faster
than me so that I can work with them to become a faster runner.
RS: What is the hardest part of being on the Richmond cross country team?
SP: I think the hardest part is the
training. It requires a lot of time.
RS: What advice would you give a new runner?
SP: I would advise them to think
positively and always think that they can do it. If they do that, they will
definitely give it their all.
RS: What have you learned from cross country that has helped you in other
aspects of your life?
SP: I have learned to manage
my food intake as well as my sleep.
RS: Do you have a favorite sports movie?
SP: I like the Blind Side.
RS: Where is your favorite place to eat in Richmond?
SP: I like to eat at the
Cheesecake Factory.
RS: What are you listening to on your iPod right now?
SP: I am not listening to
anything right now.
RS: Do you have any race day superstitions?
SP: Not really. I know I
do well with pep talks and I know that getting nervous doesn't benefit me.
RS: What are your goals for this season?
SP: My goal is to be a part of
the All-Region team.
RS: What is your favorite sport outside of cross-country or track and
field?
SP: Volleyball
RS: What motivates you to run and compete?
SP: People racing around me
and cheering.
RS: What do you enjoy doing outside of running?
SP: I like to spend time with
my family and friends.
RS: If you had the choice to travel either forward or backward in time,
which would you choose? Why?
SP: I
would choose to travel backward in time because I could relive the great
moments of my life. I could also improve or correct what I have done wrong.
