Isabelle Christiansen '19 Recruiting Profile

My love for running began when I participated in my first 5k race at age 11. I remember the feeling of accomplishment and excitement it gave me. A time of 29 minutes may not have been the best, but I've improved a lot since then! I love the difficult training that cross country and track demand. I have learned a lot in my first two years as a high school runner. My cross country team qualified to state for the first time in 38 years in 2015! I faced a huge challenge completing the state series as a freshman alongside mostly upperclassmen. I did not earn all state honors my freshman year, which was disappointing yet very motivating. Sophomore year contained a few hiccups but I was overjoyed with my 9th place finish at the state meet. 

In track season, I run everything from the 4x400 to 3200. This has taught me the importance of being a diverse and adaptable athlete. By far, my favorite events are the 1600 and 4x800. The relay has so much to offer, as it is so much fun to compete and bond with your teammates. The 1600 is a challenge but it is so rewarding. I was beyond ecstatic when I finally broke five minutes!

Outside of running, I love to bike, volunteer, read, and visit new places. I'm always looking for something new, whether it's information, an experience, or a friend. That is why I am looking forward to attending college so much! In college, I hope to find a school where I can participate in both cross country and track. A school with quality academics is very important to me, as I take my education very seriously. There are many programs out there like this and I can't wait to be part of one!