Running with the Grizzlies: Reagan Colyer and Emily Cheroske

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

Reagan Colyer -- Senior, Poulsbo, Wash. (North Kitsap HS)

Why I started running: I was a copycat when I was little, so I always did what my older sister did. She ran cross country and track, so I got into it when I was 11 and discovered I was better at running in circles than doing anything involving a ball.

What I remember about my first race: It was a 100-meter dash during sixth grade track camp, and I think I beat all the boys but one. I'm still mad I didn't get them all!

Trails, track or road: Can I say all three? Track was my first love so I'll never get tired of it, but I love a good holiday road race, like a Turkey Trot or a St. Patrick's Day run. And for recharging your batteries, nothing beats hitting the trails and getting out in nature with nobody else around.

Solo or group run: Solo. I can be so much more in tune with how my body feels, and it helps me be alone with my thoughts for a little while. As a senior in college, that kind of solitude can be hard to come by.

Most memorable race: Probably the prelim of my first indoor conference championship in the 800 meters. I came in with the top time in the conference, got stepped on and nearly lost my shoe mid-race. I managed to hang on with one shoe flapping and eke a spot in the finals, which I won. All's well that ends well, I guess!

Favorite meal the night before a big race: I often make "shupe noodles," an old family recipe from my grandparents, who were German. They're basically very simple dumplings, pan fried and served with maple syrup. They're delicious.

Favorite post-race indulgence: Coffee and a chocolate chip cookie.

Favorite workout: In cross country, I love 800 meter repeats. They're great for hitting race pace without fatiguing yourself too much. In track, I could do 200s all day.

Workout I most dread: Tempo runs. Doing long, extended efforts without the adrenaline of a race has always been a mental challenge for me. But I'm getting better!

If I wasn't a runner, I would be a: Dancer

Go-to mantra when the running gets tough: It sounds cliché, but telling myself "I can" always helps get me through the tough parts.

Favorite time of the day to run: Sunrise, before it gets too hot and just as the sun is coming up.

Favorite time of the year to run: Autumn, when it's cool and the leaves have fallen.

Favorite place near Missoula to run: Maclay Flats or up Mount Sentinel

Favorite place near your hometown to run: Port Gamble, Washington, has 60+ miles of forest trails owned by the county that are only open to walkers, bikers and horses. It's always quiet, and the singletrack through the trees is amazing.

Dream running location: The Irish coast

Athlete I'd most like to go for a run with: Abbey D'Agostino, NCAA champion, Olympian and fierce competitor, but at the same time one of the most humble, sportsmanlike athletes I've ever seen.

Trend in running I'm not a fan of: Running skirts. They're completely pointless.

The number of pairs of running shoes I own: I keep two at a time so I've always got a backup. I've gone through about 25 over the years.

Emily Cheroske -- Junior, Bigfork, Mont. (Bigfork HS)

Why I started running: In middle school I was really good at the timed mile in PE class so I thought I should try track. Plus it was something fun to do in Libby.

What I remember about my first race: I remember that it was freezing cold and I went out way too fast.

Trails, track or road: I definitely love the track.

Solo or group run: I like both. I definitely enjoy jamming out to some good tunes while I'm running alone, but I also like hanging out with everyone on our easy runs.

Most memorable race: My most memorable race was my last 800 at state in high school. I went out really slow, I basically jogged at the back of the pack until the second lap when I ran my 400 for the second lap and got second.

Favorite meal the night before a big race: My mom used to make pasta with blue cheese, grapes and chicken. It sounds gross but it's my favorite.

Favorite post-race indulgence: Probably coffee and chocolate.

Favorite workout: 200s

Workout I most dread: Mile repeats or tempos

If I wasn't a runner, I would be a: Violinist. I took lessons and played all though high school until I started running. I still play occasionally but I don't have time to commit to playing in an orchestra.

Go-to mantra when the running gets tough: "What you do every day matters more than what you do every once in a while." This is my mantra because on the days when running is rough, I just remember all of the training I have done leading up to this point and I know that the work I've put in will pay off.

Favorite time of the day to run: In the summertime and fall, I like to run in the mornings. Winter and spring I like to run in the afternoons.

Favorite time of the year to run: Spring, because the weather starts getting warmer and I always feel way happier after being sun-deprived all winter.

Favorite place near Missoula to run: Probably the Rattlesnake

Favorite place near your hometown to run: When I lived in Bigfork there was a llama farm about a mile away from my house. I always loved to run by it because all of the llamas would see me running and they would run in a giant herd next to me. That always made my day.

Dream running location: Thailand

Athlete I'd most like to go for a run with: Sanya Richards-Ross

Trend in running I'm not a fan of: Barefoot running. I read Born to Run three times in high school and went out and bought some Vibram Five Finger shoes because I thought barefoot running was such a cool idea. After going through the recommended break-in time, I developed Freiberg's infraction in my left foot and couldn't run my sophomore or junior years in high school.

The number of pairs of running shoes I own: Two

University of Montana Athletics

Running with the Grizzlies: Reagan Colyer and Emily Cheroske

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