Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with Saluki Cross Country's Megan Krolak
10/19/2018 | 10:44:00 | Cross Country
Megan Krolak is in her second season running cross country at Southern Illinois University. A redshirt junior who transferred from Illinois State following her sophomore season, she has been the Saluki women's top-finisher at eight of her 10 career meets, which included a win last season at the Golden Eagle Invitational in her Saluki debut. Krolak and the Salukis have a week off before running at the 2018 MVC Cross Country Championships, hosted by Bradley, on Oct. 27.
Last weekend was a muddy race at Bradley on the same course that will host MVCs - what did you learn about the course heading into next weekend's conference meet?
I've been on the course before so it wasn't too big of a shock to me. It's actually a course I like a lot. Just getting prepared for the loops. It changes a little for us because its a 5K and last weekend was a 6K.Â
You've run 6Ks at back-to-back meets but at the conference meet you'll race a 5K. Does running 1K less make a difference in your race strategy?Â
It doesn't really. You always try to run as fast a 5K as you would a 6K. For me, I definitely have to get out a little faster because I rely on that extra distance to pick it up a little bit. But it should be about the same.
Are you a front of the pack racer or do you prefer to chase?
It definitely depends on the meet. At a meet where there are people all around you, I like to be front and middle. But at a meet where there's only 70 runners like at the MVC Championships, I'm definitely going to try to run towards the front.
We also finished right in the thick of things as far as the team standings go last weekend- ahead of MVC teams Valparaiso and Drake- did that give the team some confidence heading into MVCs?
I think it definitely did. (The Bradley Classic) was the first meet where we got to see a lot of conference schools and I think that it really showed how much we have improved from the start of the season to now. I think we're looking pretty good headed into MVCs.
You are one of three upperclassmen on the women's team and a definite leader on the team. How would you describe your leadership style?
I've been here long enough that if anyone has any questions about how anything goes, I will answer any of them. But I definitely like to lead by example.
You're an exercise science major- what do you hope to do with your degree after you've graduated?
I'm hoping to be a physical therapy assistant. As part of the physical therapy assistant program at SIU and I will earn both an associates degree and a bachelors degree.
When you're alone on runs what do you think about? Are you always locked in on your pace and time or does your mind wander?
It depends on what is coming up. If we have a meet coming up I might think about that some. But other than that I go off feel on pacing so I never really look at my watch. It's all about how I feel that day.
Are you a self-talker when you're running? Do you cheer yourself on or motivate yourself as you go?
Not really. I just know I have to get out there and get it done.
Whats your favorite pre-meet meal?
It's hard when we're traveling. Its usually pasta. My favorite pre-race meal is oatmeal.
What is your ideal race weather? Do you prefer to run in cold or warm temperatures?
I definitely prefer to run in the cold. I adjust better to the cold and the heat negatively effects me. I'm from way more north than Carbondale so I'm use to running in 40 degree weather.
Whats the furthest you've ever run? Any plans to run a marathon when your Saluki career is over?
The furthest I've ever ran is 15 miles. I never thought I would run a marathon but now that I've run 15 miles, I definitely think its in my future.
Looking ahead to indoor track season- what are your goals for the track season?
Im excited for indoor season. I redshirted my first year here and I came within four seconds of the school 3KÂ record so its definitely what I have eyes set on for indoor season.
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