Running with the Grizzlies: Jessica Bailey and Emily Pittis

With the Montana cross country teams already deep into their fall season, it's time to meet this year's Grizzlies.

Jessica Bailey -- Redshirt sophomore, Rapid City, S.D. (Stevens HS)

Why I started running: To keep in shape in high school. My senior year a friend convinced me to go out for cross country so I would have people to run with. I fell in love with the sport and got talked into going out for track too. It stuck.

What I remember about my first race: I was so incredibly nervous for my first race. As usual though, once the gun went off, all the nerves vanish.

Trails, track or road: Trails all the way, the farther in the trees the better!

Solo or group run: Group runs make for an awesome run no matter what. The time flies by.

Most memorable race: Conference last year. Running with the girls means a lot to me, and we had a great mentality and team bond going in. We all agreed to run for each other, and that helped to keep us all going.

Favorite meal the night before a big race: Spaghetti and chicken with a big spinach salad.

Favorite post-race indulgence: Pancakes. I'm a breakfast food fanatic.

Favorite workout: I really enjoy 1k and 2k repeats. The longer the better.

Workout I most dread: Sprint work. I always feel like I'm running so much faster than I really am.

If I wasn't a runner, I would be a: I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't run. I used to swim. Maybe I could pick up triathlons.

Go-to mantra when the running gets tough: To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift (Pre)

Favorite time of the day to run: Early morning. It's nice to get the legs turning.

Favorite time of the year to run: Summer. I love running in the sunshine.

Favorite place near Missoula to run: I love Pattee Canyon.

Favorite place near your hometown to run: There's a trailhead by my house that leads up to a lake. Running up and back is one of my go-to's.

Dream running location: Ireland

Athlete I'd most like to go for a run with: Emma Coburn

Trend in running I'm not a fan of: Running dresses

The number of pairs of running shoes I own: I have seven pairs currently, including my spikes. I also have about nine pairs of old trainers I need to part with.

Emily Pittis -- Sophomore, Bellingham, Wash. (Sehome HS)

Why I started running: My parents would run with me in a jogger when I was really little, and I would always yell "faster, faster!" so I guess my running passion started young. Then as I grew up I would run more than anyone on my soccer teams and always do fun runs. I loved running because I got to do it with my friends, and I just loved how it made me feel (and I did like to win ... and beat the boys).

What I remember about my first race: One of the first was a fun run for St. Patrick's Day. I remember finishing and wishing that the race was longer, and then receiving a beer jug for being the first female. I was far too young for that.

Trails, track or road: Trails, trails, trails

Solo or group run: Group run, but if I have to go solo I want a dog to run with.

Most memorable race: PR-ing in the 5k on the track last season in Spokane, and then running on a 4x4 directly afterwards. The pie I got for placing made it all the better.

Favorite meal the night before a big race: Good-old spaghetti

Favorite post-race indulgence: Chocolate chip cookies and/or a smoothie

Favorite workout: 1k's

Workout I most dread: Mile repeats or mile time trials. Anything with miles.

If I wasn't a runner, I would be a: Soccer player or in a band, or both

Go-to mantra when the running gets tough: Run like Ryan Gosling is waiting for you at the finish line.

Favorite time of the day to run: Dawn or dusk

Favorite time of the year to run: Fall, when you can crunch on all the fallen leaves and the air is crisp but not too cold yet.

Favorite place near Missoula to run: Pattee Canyon

Favorite place near your hometown to run: Anywhere in the Chuckanut Mountains

Dream running location: A trail somewhere in the mountains that goes over creeks, through meadows full of flowers and twists through forests. I'd love to run in as many countries as I can and in as many diverse landscapes!

Athlete I'd most like to go for a run with: Alexi Pappas

Trend in running I'm not a fan of: People or celebrities who work out and run just so they can post workout Instagram pics or buy pretty running shoes. Real runners buy shoes because they fit correctly and feel right, and I never look "Instagram-worthy" after a workout or long run!

The number of pairs of running shoes I own: 5

University of Montana Athletics

Running with the Grizzlies: Jessica Bailey and Emily Pittis

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