LVRR: What college will you attend and intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
JG: This upcoming fall, I will attend the University of Alabama to pursue Chemical engineering on the Pre-Med Track. I plan to run on the club team for the university.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
JG: I began running in 7th grade at the age of twelve. Ironically, I did not start running thinking it would be a long-term hobby for me at all. I was a soccer player growing up—but with no soccer program at the middle school level at Southern Lehigh—I looked for a sport that could keep me in shape during the fall season. After opting out of volleyball last minute, I hesitantly decided to run cross country. Almost immediately I became addicted to the rush of racing, and there was no looking back from there.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
JG: My greatest accomplishment of my running career is qualifying for the PIAA cross country state championship meet 3 out of my 4 years.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
JG: My most prominent “sink or swim” experience was when I discovered a stress fracture in my second metatarsal just two days before the Colonial League cross country championship meet my sophomore year. This injury left me struggling to break 6 minutes in the 1600m run in the following spring track and field season. I knew how I reacted to this setback would define me. After two years of early mornings and solo workouts, my senior year cross country season was filled with personal bests, meet victories, many medals, and a course record! The success I earned taught me how far passion, determination, and drive can take me. With so many things out of your control in life, dedication and hardwork are some of the few things you DO have authority over. For this reason, whatever life brings my way, I feel confident that success will follow my hardwork and determination.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
JG: My parents have been my most influential role models because of the way they embody hard work, courage, determination, and humility in their everyday lives. My mom has taught me to face adversity head-on, with confidence, and to never doubt my abilities. While my dad has taught me the importance of integrity and hard work when no one is watching, and humility in the way that he is humble about everything he has achieved. I carry these lessons with me every day and apply them wherever I can.
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
JG: Most people are surprised to learn I have a twin named Jillian. We are active in completely different ways– she dances and cheers while I run and play soccer– so many people do not know of her!
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?
JG: Persistence. Stick with it! Yes, running at times does feel difficult, maybe impossible; however, if you are prepared to put in the hard work–and are willing to get back up after you fail– then you will surprise yourself by how much you can accomplish. Any and all progress is worth celebrating, and when you do recognize how far you have come, it is extremely gratifying!
LVRR: Who is in your running support network?
JG: I feel incredibly lucky to have family, friends, coaches, and teammates that support me and my running goals. I have amazing parents who cheer me on at every single one of my races and make many sacrifices for me in order to allow me to continue to do the sport I love. My coaches, Coach Kocis and Coach Strong, taught me how to remain resilient, calm, and confident in myself when faced with high pressure races. I will always be thankful for the teammates I had the past 6 years. They made running every day easy.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
JG: I competed in the 800m, 1600m, 3200m, and 4x800m for track and field, and I ran the 5k for cross country.
LVRR: How do you stay motivated when you don’t want to run?
JG: When I find myself struggling to put on my sneakers and go for a run, I simply remind myself of the goals I want to achieve in the upcoming season. I then recognize that none of my successes will occur without putting in the work on my own.
LVRR: What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?
JG: Prior to my race, I typically eat either a peanut butter bagel topped with a chopped banana or pasta. After my race, it is fair game. I eat anything that has sugar in it: Swedish Fish, mint chocolate chip ice cream, cookies, you name it.
LVRR: What extracurricular activities (outside of running) and community involvement have your participated in?
JG: At Southern Lehigh, I served as the Class of 2020 Treasurer, Co-Chairman of the Athletic Leadership Council, Blood Drive Coordinator for the Student Council, and Mini-THON Fundraising Advisor. I also participated in Key Club and Varsity Club. In addition to the cross country and track and field teams, I participated on the soccer team for the high school.
LVRR: What are three words that describe how you feel when you’re out running?
JG: Peaceful, exhilarating, and free.
