Alexander Lyon 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?
AL: I will be attending Colby College where I plan on majoring in biology with a concentration in neuroscience. I also get to sprint on the Track and Field team there.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
AL: Running has always been a huge source of joy for me. I would say it started on the playground in kindergarten. Tag became an integral part of the elementary school culture, and it really brought my grade together. After that, I never stopped; I joined the track team as soon as I could.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
AL: This past winter I was able to get a school record with our 4×200 team. I was on a team with such amazing runners, and it was such an exhilarating accomplishment to reach that together.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
AL: The track season is something I am looking forward to year-round, but unfortunately in this last season, I pulled my hamstring during the very first meet. I never ended up getting back to the track in the Spring, and that really left me with the biggest battle being a mental one. To “swim” I needed to focus on how thankful I was for all the successful seasons beforehand and to look towards the future with even more excitement. It is not the plan I would have expected to happen, but my future is in God’s hand, so what better place is there. I am currently training as hard as ever for the next opportunity at college.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
AL: One completely commendable person in my life is my grandmother. She is the most caring person you will ever meet. Any situation she is in, she is able to make it about someone else and how she can help them. Track is the perfect opportunity to focus on those around you, to encourage and to get to know others. I will always try to take these opportunities to look at the countless lives around me.
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
AL: One weekend I decided to memorize a bunch of digits of pi just to test out a memorization technique.
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?
AL: If you just started running, do not stop. Running is so beautiful as it starts with any level of athleticism, and then from there on you need only look forward. Your improvement is what you chase, there is no need to compare yourself to those on your sides. Finishing the mileage or time that you wanted will bring so much satisfaction. Runs are not always easy to initiate, so I will commend you right away for starting! You got this.
LVRR: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
AL: Ten years from now, I hope to be a better person. When I show up to a practice, I am working as hard as I can to improve for the next race. This sentiment holds true in every aspect of my life; however, the most important area where I strive to be better is in my character and my faith. So, when I think about myself ten years from now, there may be countless possibilities for what exactly I am doing, but I am confident that I will have succeeded in my goal of growing as a person. A goal I do not plan on ever ceasing.
LVRR: Is anyone else in your family a runner?
AL: Honestly, running is not a huge part of my family’s life. However, you will find them playing just about every sport in existence: basketball, swimming, croquet (yeah…), volleyball, and too many others to name. In the past year, a couple of my immediate family members have begun to run more, and that is super exciting.
LVRR: Who is in your running support network?
AL: I am so thankful for the absolutely amazing people in my life. My family supports me in numerous ways, always cheering and pushing me on. I would be nowhere close to my current running abilities without my terrific teammates tearing up the track right alongside me. From Zeke Colyer in elementary school to Aiden Tobin in high school, having friends who love running as much as you will never be topped as far as a motivator. Also, a huge shout out to all my coaches for sparking and honing my passion for this sport. Coach Jess, Strong, Kocis, Shumaker, and Coach Jeff—Thank you so much.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
AL: The 200m is my favorite event by far. It is all out, but long enough to still chase after competitors. I simultaneously love and hate the 400m, but I will still run it any day of the week. The first half is exhilarating, but the last 100 meters… A lot of pain. The 1600m relay and 400m relay are also great
LVRR: What is your favorite event to watch that you don’t do yourself and why?
AL: Even though I am most certainly a sprinter, I am so thankful for the experience I have had with cross country. The people in this sport, the distance runners, are such exceptional people. The dedication, discipline, and grit needed for events like the 2-mile, mile, or even 800m is so commendable. The sprinters on my team and I, we love our distance squad.
LVRR: What extracurricular activities (outside of running) and community involvement have your participated in?
AL: I was able to be the NHS Vice President and Class of 2022 Secretary for Southern Lehigh. I also have been a student leader for my youth group, and I help run the livestream on Sundays. Other activities I do go from tutoring any level of mathematics (which I love) to being a part of my school’s Spanish Club.
