Jennifer Moore

Major: Education
Year: Sophomore
High School: Girard

High School Personal Bests
800: 2:15.66
5000m XC: 20:16

Akron Personal Bests
800: 2:12.58
5000m XC: 18:49

Jennifer Moore came to Akron with a recruiting class that included Mary Varga, Michelle Rizzo, Jeanine Thomas, Bobbie Hardbarger, and Eva Horvat. Although somewhat less heralded than her classmates, she made a strong contribution last year, placing 7th in the 800m at the MAC outdoor championships. In addition she set three school records in the indoor 800m, and contributed strong legs on school records in the distance medley, 4x400m, and 4x800m. This year in cross country Jen ran a PR of 18:49 at the MAC championships. That experience has her enthusiastic for this indoor season. Below Jen discusses the indoor season and other subjects.

Q & A with Jennifer Moore
Q: In the past you've been more comfortable and confident in track than in cross country. How do you feel about this indoor season?
A: I feel more comfortable than I did in the past. I'm looking forward to the indoor season. I don't go out there and think I'll get beaten. I know I can go out there and beat the other girls. I feel strong physically and mentally because of the training and my coach.

Q: You had a good cross country season. What does that mean for you this track season?
A: Going into cross country I didn't have a good attitude, but with all of the training I've done, and I've been pushed a lot, not just by my teammates, but by my coach, and myself too, I realized I have the strength and ability to do good things. It's given me a positive outlook on the indoor season.

Q: You are a sophomore now. What did you learn as a freshman that will help you succeed this year?
A: Never give up in the last 200m of a race, or actually the last 300m! That's when you really need to be your strongest. I think I learned that because I always used to slow down at the end. Now I know that I need to push myself to the finish.

Q: What did you learn about training as a freshman?
A: I learned that everyday counts, no matter if it's a hard day or an easy day. Even when you have hard days you have to do your proper warmup and cooldown and take care of yourself. I know that the easy days count too, those 30 minute runs and those circuits help you in the end.

Q: What have you learned about competing in the MAC?
A: It's a strong conference and there are a lot good girls out there, but it gives me hope . If I go out there and race against them I might not beat them at first, but it only makes me stronger. One day I'll be able to go out there and set the pace and be able to beat them.

Q: What were the high and low points of your freshman year?
A: The high point was dropping my time a lot. My low point was it was a learning experience and I wish I hadn't totally seen it as a learning experience because I know I could have done more. Also falling at MAC [indoors, where she suffered a minor concussion] wasn't very comforting. It was discouraging actually.

Q: Has your head recovered from the fall?
A: Yes it has!

Q: Do you have any favorite workouts?
A: I guess my favorite workouts are 400s. I love the feeling of just getting out there and running real fast. Your done really fast too. You do a 400 and take a little break and then go again. I love 400 workouts, but not the 400 race. I like those little circuits we do once in a while.

Q: Do you have any least favorite workouts?
A: Probably doing low-level bicycle or pushups. Those are my worst ones. I don't like my long runs on Sundays, but I go out there and do them. I found a new method to doing them, so if I go out and do them a little faster I get done faster. Medium runs at the Towpath are just horrible, but I get through them. The girls push me and so does coach so, it works.

Q: Which of your attributes have most strongly contributed to your improvement?
A: A lot has to do with being here in college and training under a different program. The coaching is really good. The workouts have helped me both mentally and physically become a better runner.

Q: When you came to Akron did you expect to be part of a championship program?
A: No, I did not. When I came to the program I knew it was rebuilding, that was something you told me when you were recruiting me. I didn't realize we had all of those great athletes that were being recruited and that were already a part of the team. We all came together and we worked together and that's why we succeeded as a team. I'm really proud of being here and working with this team. It's been a great experience.

Q: Last year you competed in three MAC championships and at the USTFA Junior Nationals. What were those experiences like for you?
A: New experiences and emotional experiences. I was scared and excited at the same time and then happy with the outcomes. It was a great experience and I would say a learning experience.

Q: You had similar experience in high school, qualifying for the state meet in both cross country and track. What was the difference in college?
A: Being in college I took it more seriously than I did in high school. In high school I knew my background in training wasn't as good as I do have know. I know now that I can go out there and get it, while in high school I was like, "Oh, maybe. Maybe I'll go to state this year," but know I'm confident. It's like, "Yes, I'm going to score at MAC this year."

Q: When you came to Akron you were the first runner from your high school to come here. Now Paul Robinette is also on the team. Has that been a good thing for you?
A: Yes it has. It's nice to have someone on the team from back home. More people from back home are realizing that Akron has a great program.

Q: How would you describe yourself to our vast internet audience?
A: Um, um, I don't know. I'm a happy person