Emma Szydlow is one of the 2022 recipients of the LVRR Scholarship.
LVRR: What college will you attend and intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
ES: I will be attending the University of Delaware in the Honors college, and I intend to major in biomedical engineering on a pre-medicine track. I will not be running for Delaware, but I will still be running on my own, and plan to join a club team.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
ES: I started running in the summer before 6th grade. I was about 10 years old at the time. I was introduced to it by my oldest brother Ben who was on the cross-country team. That summer he convinced me to join Coach Kolosky’s Summer Running Program. Coach K helped me fix my form and got me running with the team, which was an amazing introduction to cross-country since I was too young to join. From there, I just loved spending time with my teammates and being physically active. I was hooked. I continued running on my own and with the Summer Running members and knew as soon as I was in seventh grade, I would join the middle school team.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
ES: My greatest accomplishment in my running career was learning how to come out of my shell and become a leader for those around me as a captain on my team. Becoming comfortable with myself and connecting with others was never easy for me, but running provided me with a community, and gave me a place to fit in and grow.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
ES: At my school, I’m a member of the stage crew for the musicals. It’s a really time-consuming activity because for about two weeks leading up to the show, we have to be there from 3:00 to 10:00 at night. It also happens to fall at the same time as track season. I was also very involved in many clubs that happened to be in full-swing, planning activities at the same time. There were several instances where everything got overwhelming to juggle all at once, but it helped me learn time-management. I also learned how to plan ahead, and get work done accordingly. I would use free time in school to work on club activities, so from 2:30-3:00, I’d have streamlined club meetings, then from 3:00 to 5:30 I’d go to track, and then I’d go to stage crew, figure out any prop moves I missed while at track as well as the new ones for the night, and finally go home to eat dinner, do homework, and sleep. It felt hectic and busy, but I learned how to adjust to a packed schedule, and not let it be too much for me.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
ES: I have two. Both of my older brothers, Ben and Nathan, have been my role models since I was little. I would never have tried a range of sports, and had such a competitive mindset, had I not been competing with them all my life (all in good fun, of course). They pushed me to get back up any time I fell, and to never back down from a challenge. Ben and Nathan have always had a way with people that I desired to match, and weren’t afraid to try things outside of their comfort zones. Both of them did cross country. Ben introduced me to the sport, and Nathan joined at the same time I did. They made the team feel like my family. Whether they know it or not, they showed me how to break through barriers, and never give up, and for that, I wouldn’t want anyone else to be my role models.
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
ES: I like to learn origami using youtube videos. So far I’ve memorized how to make cranes and sea lions, but I have made a range of other animals for my friends, such as sheep, cats, pandas, turtles, horses, etc..
LVRR: What is one word you would say to someone who has just started running– whether it be a youth in the LVRR Kids Series, or an older individual- about why running is worth it?
ES: Tenacity – Running shows you how much you can put yourself through mentally and physically. The sport builds tenacity and gives you an incredible mindset about challenging activities. Nothing seems as scary or difficult after you’ve been running for a while because you train yourself so well in tough conditions that you’re used to being in difficult circumstances.
LVRR: Who is in your running support network?
ES: I am extremely lucky to have a large running support network. First of all, I have my parents who always show up to my races and support me whether or not I feel good about my race. Shoutout to my mom who always made sure I had packed Liquid IV in my backpack, so I’d hydrate properly throughout the school day, and to my dad who always took the best action shots of my teammates and me running. My coaches (Coach Kolosky, Coach Alex, and Coach Ben) and a few teachers (Schultzy, Tass, and Mrs. Friday) always knew what to say to prepare me for a race, and wished me good luck. Last but not least, my teammates and friends who train with me are probably the biggest part of my network, and of why I love to run. They were the best part of my day, everyday, and inspired me to push myself in practices and meets.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
ES: I ran the 3200 meter relay, the 1600, and the 3200 (my favorite).
LVRR: What cross training do you incorporate into your running routine, if any? Do you focus more on cross training in the off season (if there is an off season for you!), or do you tend to cross train throughout the entire training cycle?
ES: I cross train with swimming. My school didn’t have an indoor track program, so I joined the swim team to stay in shape during the winter. In the summer off season, I ran with many of my teammates during Coach K’s summer running program.
LVRR: What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?
ES: Pre-race: For breakfast, I’ll eat a banana and a bagel, and then at lunch, a turkey sandwich, an apple, and a bag of pretzel snaps. Post-race: I like to have grilled chicken and mashed potatoes.
LVRR: What are three activities you enjoy doing apart from running?
ES: I like to hike with my family and friends, read, and kayak.
