Amanda Beach - Foot Locker Finalist.
Over the ensuing 38 years since first the Kinney and now Foot Locker National Championships, that's been the goal of hundreds of thousands of high school cross county runners, yet very few succeed.
It's a symbol of being amongst the very best cross-country runners in the nation. It's a lifelong title that can't be taken away.
The path to being a Foot Locker Finalist for Melbourne Central Catholic's Amanda Beach is a compelling life lesson in being humble, never giving up, and believing that she too could reach that mantle.
Amanda finished fifth in the 2A State Championships on November 5th. Three weeks later she finished 5th at Foot Locker South and was a Foot Locker Finalist on her way to San Diego for the ultimate Foot Locker experience. Maybe more than anything else, she believed she could fulfill her dream and be a Foot Locker Finalist.
1. Put your best foot forward
2. Be patient
3. Don't dwell
4. Don't be afraid
5. Believe
We caught up with Amanda over the last few days and sought to know how her journey has put her on the precipice of the national stage.
DSFL: When did it finally sink in that you had accomplished a feat so many dream of and that all your hard work had payed off? Was there a defining moment?
Amanda: Honestly, it still hasn't really sunk in that I'll be racing in San Diego with some of the best girls in the nation. Having said that, I've worked really hard this year, since the summer, and I've been more focused and driven this year than I ever have been. It's such a dream come true and I couldn't be more excited!
DSFL: Did you ever think that after your 5th place finish at State that you could rebound so emphatically and finish 5th to qualify? What were your emotions after State?
Amanda: To answer this question properly, I have to go all the way back to July. My coach and I sat down to outline some of my goals for the year, and I said I really wanted to make it to Foot Locker Nationals. Timewise, I told her I wanted to run a 17:30 by the end of the season. She looked at me and said, "I think you can do it, but it's going to take a lot of work. It's going to come down to how much you want it." I knew she was right, and I wanted it. I even said, (and I quote) "I would rather come in 5th at State and qualify for Nationals than win State."
At State, I was still pushing and training pretty hard. I hadn’t started tapering yet. Naturally, I was a little disappointed with my place, but I knew that I still had one more really important race and if I wanted to do well, I had to forget about my finish at State and look forward. So that’s what I did; I forgot about everything I had done throughout the season and focused on what I could do to improve for Foot Locker South. As I said at the beginning of the season, you can never count anyone out, including yourself.
Apparently, God was listening and took this conversation very literally, because I was 5th at State and made it to Nationals with a 17:30.
DSFL: What transpired during the intervening 3 weeks?
Amanda: I worked on speed, recovery, and tapering the 3 weeks leading up to Foot Locker South. I really focused on having well rested legs and a positive mindset for that race.
DSFL: We've seen the video with your Mom/Coach and then Bailey once you realized she qualified as well. Can you describe those moments after the race?
Amanda: I can't even describe the feeling I had after the race. It was a mix of excitement, gratitude, and disbelief! I was also super excited when I realized Bailey qualified too! I’ve only raced Bailey one other time, but I know she's incredibly talented and definitely deserves this.
DSFL: We first noticed you at the FSU Invite winning the Select race in 2015. How have you grown as a runner and a person during that time frame to now?
Amanda: The Select race at FSU last year was when I realized I had fully recovered from my anemia. It was only the second cross country race I had ever won, and also the biggest. I think I have matured immensely in my running since then because I’ve learned to put my best foot forward no matter what, be patient, not dwell on bad races, not be afraid, believe in myself, and never give up!
As a person, I’ve grown about ½ an inch since then.
DSFL: What are you most looking forward to this weekend?
Amanda: I’m pretty much looking forward to everything this weekend. I especially can't wait to get to know the South team and race with all of them on Saturday! I also have never been west of Colorado so it’s pretty awesome to have the opportunity to travel all the way to California.
DSFL: Any shout-outs?
Amanda: I want to give a huge shoutout to my mom/coach for coaching me in life and in running, and of course to all my teammates for always being supportive! To Coach Baker and the Holy Trinity XC team for allowing me to run with them over the summer, and to everyone I’ve met in the running community because I’ve never met anyone who wasn't supportive. Finally, to Coach Butler and the Satellite XC team for pushing me to be my best this post-season!!
Amanda's XC Profile - http://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/Athlete.aspx?AID=6014300#/L0
Amanda's Track Profile - http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/Athlete.aspx?AID=6014300#/L0
RELATED - Amanda Beach chooses the Duke University Blue Devils - by Ka'Deem Wynn
RELATED - Amanda's post race interview following her Select race win in 2015 at the FSU Invitational
RELATED - WATCH The 2016 Foot Locker Nationals Webcast LIVE HERE
