Gensib Takes Unusual Route To The Meet Of Champions

Elyssa Gensib might have sacrificed her sea legs, but the ones she used on land took her pretty far this year.

Gensib, a Princeton High School junior, finished her season at The Meet of Champions at Old Bridge’s Lombardi Field on Monday, four days after lightning forced officials to stop the meet.

Gensib finished 11th in the 3200 meter run in a time of 11:00.44, a 3-second improvement from her time at the Group Meet.

Participating in The Meet of Champions is a goal for all track athletes, not many follow the same path as Gensib, who started her journey by rowing a boat.

"This is my first year running track," Gensib said. "Last year I did crew. One of the things we did every day to train for crew was to run two miles."

As they ran every day, Gensib knew it felt right for her.

"When I ran with my crew team, I noticed it was harder for other people," she said. "With running, you either love it or you hate it. I didn't hate it. I really liked it."

To make sure, Gensib kept running last summer.

"I entered some 5K races with my dad," she said. "I also did a few 10K races. I continued to run in the fall, joining the cross-country team. Most of the season I was probably third or fourth, but then I got hurt and missed some time. I had some good races at the end of the season, but I felt I could have been better if I hadn't gotten hurt."

Knowing she would improve as she worked harder, Gensib joined the track team.

"It's kind of surprising that I made it to The Meet of Champions," Gensib said. "I just never ran a lot. I didn't know what to expect."

For Gensib, her inexperience in the sport may have been an advantage.

"Maybe if I started a year earlier, that would have been okay," she said. "I'd probably be a little faster. Even so, I'd definitely say it's an advantage to be new to the sport because my legs don't have as many seasons on them. They're fresher.

"Also, if I started as a freshman or sophomore, my majority level was different. I might not have tried as hard. To me now, it's very gratifying. If you work hard, you see the improvement. It makes you feel good about yourself."

Gensib will begin her senior season with experience and a desire to work hard to improve.

She is looking forward to a season with her training partners, Ameila Whaley and Jenna Cody.

This past season, the trio earned medals at The Mercer County Championships and the Central Jersey Group III meet. Their goals will be even higher in 2012.

"I think we can all make The Meet of Champions in the 3200," Gensib said. "We all made huge improvements. We're dedicated and work well together."

Looks like Gensib is off the water and settling in nicely with a new crew.