Sports
Athlete of the Week: Shelby Aarden
Cross country runner Shelby Aarden placed first in the Bay State Invitational for Freshman, making her first season one to remember.
Name: Shelby Aarden
Graduating Class: Class of 2015
Team: Hopkinton Hillers Cross Country, Indoor Track & Spring Track
Find out what's happening in Holliston-Hopkintonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Personal Best:
5k 20:35 Three Mile Home Course 19:41 One Mile 6:02
Find out what's happening in Holliston-Hopkintonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Freshman Shelby Aarden continues to be out in front and placing strong in her first season of high school cross country.
VF When did you start running?
SA I did my first race in kindergarten. It was the Mini Marathon here in Hopkinton. I also did many 5k races with my mom beginning at age 9. Then in the seventh grade, I started running cross country.
VF What is involved in your training?
SA I train every day except for Sundays. We do speed workouts, and long runs.
VF Being a freshman on the team, how has the transition from middle school to high school been?
SA I felt very comfortable with the transition because over the summer, I met and ran with my awesome coach and teammates.
VF How is this year’s experience different from last year’s on the Middle School team?
SA it’s a lot harder as far as workouts, and the meets are much more competitive.
VF Have you set any running goals for yourself over the next three years?
SA By the time I graduate, I would like to get a time under 19 minutes on our home course; three miles. I would also love to run the Boston Marathon someday.
VF Do you run any road races for pleasure?
SA I do a lot of 5k races with my family, which are an opportunity to raise money for a specific foundation. One of my favorites is the Sharon Timlin Race
VF How do you feel when you run? When you race, what strategy is involved in running a good race?
SA I love runninng. My coach is helping me with my strategy. I know not to go out to fast so I can finish strong and not burn out.
VF What is your most memorable cross country moment?
SA I have two so far. The first occurred last year at the Carlisle Invitational when I took first place. My second most memorable moment just happened last week at the Bay State Invitational for Freshman, where I also took a first Place.