Abby is a recipient of the 2019 LVRR Scholarship which is offered each year to four eligible students planning to continue their education at the college level after graduating from high school. These $4,000 scholarships are funded by LVRR races and through fundraising efforts of the club. To learn more about this and other LVRR scholarships, please visit this page. Below is a Q&A with Abby.
LVRR: What college will you attend and your intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
Abby Heilenman: I will attend Penn State University’s main campus to study biochemistry and molecular biology along with statistics. I plan on joining either club running or swimming to stay active.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
AH: I started running for fun in the LVRR kids races around age 5. I didn’t start training to run until ninth grade when I joined my high school cross country team.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
AH: My greatest accomplishment would be coming in fourth in the 800 at leagues. Track is a short season for me as I typically don’t get to train over the winter and miss the first three weeks of practice due to postseason for swimming. Trying to compete with strong runners that run all year has been a challenge. That is why I am so satisfied with my place and time at the league meet.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
AH: In my sophomore year, I was placed into the 4×800 relay with very experienced, upperclassman runners who established our new school record the year before. I needed to rise up to their expectations and be able to perform with some of the top competitors in the area. I learned that I needed to gain confidence in my running ability and not only perform for myself but my teammates.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
AH: Maya Dirado is one of my most influential role models. She was an Olympic gold medalist who went to Stanford not only to excel in the pool but academically as well. She inspires me because she was able to do both at such a high level of success that it encourages me to as well.
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
AH: I can play four instruments (piano, violin, ukulele, and guitar), three of which are self-taught. When I have some free time, I love to just pick up an instrument and learn a new song.
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?
AH: Perseverance, I’m reminded that if one perseveres through the toughest of times, workouts, or even weather conditions the success that comes along with it will outweigh all the hardships if one just perseveres through.
LVRR: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AH: In 10 years from now I hope to be finishing medical school.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
AH: I ran cross country (5k) during the fall and in spring I ran track. My main races were 800 and 4X800 but I also ran the 400, 4×400 and 1600.
LVRR: What is your favorite event to watch that you don’t do yourself and why?
AH: I always enjoy watching the 300 hurdles. This is an event that I always wanted to run but due to timing coming off swim season, I was never able to. I enjoy watching it especially now that my younger sister runs hurdles. It is such a tough race because you not only have to have sprint endurance but also a good technique to maintain speed while jumping over hurdles.
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?
AH: Along with running, I swim and do triathlons. I try to incorporate swimming and biking into my training routine especially in the summer where I must train for multiple sports. During the winter I am fully focused on swimming, so that keeps me in good enough shape to start track season in the spring. I enjoy cross-training because it keeps me on my toes and prevents me from getting bored from the monotonous repetition.
LVRR: What injuries are you susceptible to?
AH: I am super susceptible to shin splints and have had to deal with small as well as major setbacks from them almost all four years of high school. From my experiences, I have learned to listen to my body and take rest when needed.
LVRR: What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?
AH: A few hours before I run, I like to have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to give me some substance. I am not able to eat much before I run so I rely on Gu packets to give me energy in place of food. Afterward, I normally eat a banana but always enjoy getting milkshakes!
LVRR: What are three activities you enjoy doing apart from running?
AH: I enjoy swimming, playing instruments, and shopping
LVRR: What extracurricular activities (outside of running) and community involvement have you participated in?
AH: Outside of running, I tend to be very involved. I participate in swimming and triathlons. I am a member of the student government, orchestra, and math league at my school. I teach swim lessons and lifeguard as well as volunteer at various places such as LVHN hospital, road races, and alter serve/ lector at my church.
