Running with the Grizzlies: Nathan Wellington and Megan Franz

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

Nathan Wellington -- Junior, Rocklin, Calif. (Whitney HS)

Why I started running: Friends convinced me to come out for cross country. Plus I wasn't much of a team sports kind of guy.

What I remember about my first race: That running is hard.

Trails, track or road: Trail

Solo or group run: Group most of the time, but solo runs are nice occasionally.

Most memorable race: Steeplechase last year in Oregon. I PR'd and got to run at historic Hayward Field.

Favorite meal the night before a big race: Spaghetti, but when on the road definitely Olive Garden breadsticks.

Favorite post-race indulgence: Quesarito from Taco Bell since the CHEESECORE is dead.

Favorite workout: 1k's for sure

Workout I most dread: 800 repeats

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

Go-to mantra when the running gets tough: I count my steps until I get to 100, then start over.

Favorite time of the day to run: Evening

Favorite time of the year to run: Fall

Favorite place near Missoula to run: Blue Mountain

Favorite place near your hometown to run: Johnson-Springview Park

Dream running location: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Athlete I'd most like to go for a run with: Luke Hilmes or Alex Honnold

Trend in running I'm not a fan of: Treadmills

The number of pairs of running shoes I own: 3

Megan Franz -- Redshirt sophomore, Tigard, Ore. (Tigard HS)

Why I started running: I started playing soccer when I was younger and always crushed it during the beep test (a conditioning drill). From there I joined my middle school cross country team and later went on to compete in track for the first time as a freshman in high school. Track was great because I didn't have to run as far!

What I remember about my first race: It was a 1.5-mile race for my middle school XC team, and I ran in our P.E.-issued shiny blue, basketball-length shorts and an oversized gray t-shirt. Go Falcons!

Trails, track or road: Track workouts, then trails for our longer runs.

Solo or group run: Group runs. Or some good music if I'm going solo.

Most memorable race: Senior year 800 prelims at state. I ran a two-second PR and showed the most emotion I think I've ever expressed after a race. Happy tears!

Favorite meal the night before a big race: A fully-loaded Qdoba burrito. That's what I ate the night before my 800 prelims senior year.

Favorite post-race indulgence: Taco Bell for sure

Favorite workout: 800 breakdowns

Workout I most dread: Anything over 1k repeats and tempos ... definitely tempos.

If I wasn't a runner, I would be a: Soccer player

Go-to mantra when the running gets tough: I usually sing the chorus of a motivational song to myself. It varies a lot, but some of the recurring ones include "Kryptonite" by Three Doors Down, "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons and "Keeping Your Head Up" by Birdy.

Favorite time of the day to run: Evenings or midnight runs

Favorite time of the year to run: Springtime in Oregon when there are frequent torrential downpours.

Favorite place near Missoula to run: Rattlesnake

Favorite place near your hometown to run: Forest Park

Dream running location: Isle of Skye, Scotland

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

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

The number of pairs of running shoes I own: Spikes, flats and trainers? Probably 2-3 of each.

University of Montana Athletics

Running with the Grizzlies: Nathan Wellington and Megan Franz

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