LVRR: What college will you attend and your intended major of study? Do you plan to run while attending college?
Riley Williamson: I will be attending Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA with the intent of studying civil engineering. I will be running cross country and track for Lehigh.
LVRR: What age did you start running and why?
RW: I started running in seventh grade when I joined my middle school cross country team as a way to stay in shape for soccer. When soccer was finished for me at the beginning of high school, running became my primary sport.
LVRR: What is your greatest accomplishment in your running career?
RW: My greatest accomplishment to date would have to be my District XI win in the 1600m (one mile) race this past spring track season. I ran a time of 4:24 which is a PR for me.
LVRR: Describe an experience where you had to “sink or swim.” What did you learn from it?
RW: At the district meet for cross country in 2016 during my sophomore year, my team was losing to Southern Lehigh with about half a mile to go. I was running near my teammate, Nick Bower, and we had about three or four Southern Lehigh runners in front of us. Both extremely tired, we knew we had to catch as many of them as we could in order for us to win. The two of us were able to catch three and two of them and help our team win districts. I learned from this experience that the pain felt during a race is well worth it if it means achieving your goal or setting a new pr. The ones that keep pushing when overcoming with fatigue are the ones that will be able to accomplish the most in a race and continue to grow and improve as a runner.
LVRR: Who has been your most influential role model and why?
RW: My most influential role model would have to be my dad. The owner of a small business, it is not uncommon for him to work more than twelve hours a day and do work on weekends. His work ethic has taught me to appreciate the work of others and to push myself in everything that I do, making sure that my work is always of the highest quality that I can make it.
LVRR: What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
RW: Although boring and perhaps overwhelming to some, I find different countries’ flags very interesting. I’ve developed a good memory for so many that I can name the country from almost any flag (apart from maybe a few island nations).
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?
RW: “Friends” – I have met so many amazing people since I have started running, and many are now my closest friends. Being able to form bonds with people in the middle of races or telling stories and jokes on 10+ mile long runs will always be some of my favorite things about running.
LVRR: What events did you run in high school?
RW: Along with the 5k during cross country, I ran the 800, 1600, and 3200m relay during track season. The 3200m relay is definitely my favorite event because, when the individual events let you know what you’re made of, the relays give you the feeling of being a part of something bigger than just yourself.
LVRR: What injuries are you susceptible to?
RW: After starting up running again at the beginning of a new season, I am sometimes prone to shin splints, something that is common when increasing your mileage too quickly. Icing and elevating, along with gradually increasing mileage usually deters the pain.
LVRR: What are your favorite pre-race and post-race meals?
RW: The night before a race, I always make sure to carb load, specifically with pasta, to make sure I have enough energy stored for the upcoming race. After a race, I often look towards protein to rebuild muscle loss. However, I’m also guilty of a couple of trips to Chick-fil-A with some of my closest teammates!
LVRR: If you ever feel unmotivated to get out the door during PA cold winter months, what tips or tricks do you use to push yourself? Also, do you brave the poor weather conditions or stick indoors/on the treadmill?
RW: The winter is actually one of my favorite times to run. It’s easy to warm up in the frigid temperatures when wearing warm clothing, including jackets and running pants, and sharing laughs with equally crazy teammates. Not long into a run, you’re not cold anymore and you’re able to enjoy the winter landscape and the people you’re with.
LVRR: When faced with a rare but disappointing race finish or workout, how do you pick up and motivate yourself to try again? Is there a specific running mantra that has helped you pull through disappointment?
RW: Although it can be very hard to move on from a disappointing race, I always find it important to remember that it is just one race and there are always plenty of other opportunities to prove yourself. I’ve always been told to have a short memory and to move on quickly after a disappointing race. It’s good to learn from past failures, not dwell on them.
