Running with the Grizzlies: Samantha Engebretsen

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

Samantha Engebretsen -- Freshman, Enumclaw, Wash. (Enumclaw HS)

Why I started running: I was a sprinter in track during middle school but my mom ran distance in college and made me run the mile in the last track meet of my 8th grade year. I loved it and decided to run cross country when I started high school.

What I remember about my first race: I honestly do not remember much about my first race. I know that it was in Ellensburg and was 2.5 miles long. My favorite part about it was getting to jump into the lake that we raced around after we finished.

Trails, track, or road: I would way rather go for a run or race on trails. I have had shin problems for the majority of my running career, so running on roads is painful and the track gets boring. I do most of my summer training in Alaska and Wyoming where I get the opportunity to run on trails all the time, and I love it!

Solo or group run: I would much rather run with a group than by myself. I find it challenging to motivate myself to go for a run when I am by myself, and running with other people is a lot of fun. The only time I enjoy running alone is when I need to relieve stress.

Most memorable race: 1600 state track my freshman year

Favorite meal the night before a big race: Any type of pasta and chicken

Favorite post-race indulgence: Ice cream the night after a race

Favorite workout: Hills

Workout I most dread: Mile repeats and sprint workouts

If I wasn't a runner, I would be a: Basketball player. My dad coached high school basketball from before I was born until I was a sophomore in high school. I grew up playing basketball long before I started to run, and this is my first year since I was five that I will not be playing on a team.

Go-to mantra when the running gets tough: I can do it, I am strong.

Favorite time of the day to run: In the morning

Favorite time of the year to run: The fall

Favorite place near Missoula to run: Rattlesnake

Favorite place near your hometown to run: Deep Lake

Dream running location: I don't know (Editor's choice: Lake Tahoe Rim Trail)

Athlete I'd most like to go for a run with: I don't know (Editor's choice: Ryan Hall)

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

The number of pairs of running shoes I own: 5

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