Women's Track Q&A: Gabrielle Ellis
2/16/2016 9:31:00 PM | Track, Competing With Purpose Blog
Gabrielle Ellis returned to the track team this year after studying abroad as a sophomore last year. Although she missed the first indoor meet with a hamstring injury, she competed at the second one and is looking forward to a strong season. She shares her experience transitioning back onto the team after being away, and what she's looking forward to this season:
Q: Where abroad did you go and for how long?
A: I studied abroad in Shanghai, China, for my entire sophomore year. While there I was able to visit Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Greece and more amazing places.
Q: How has the transition been for you since you took a year off of track to study abroad?
A: The transition has definitely been tough both personally and physically. I did not train during my year off but started back this past summer. That was hard on my body and dealing with that on top of readjusting to living in America was emotionally draining. However, I was also very excited about this season. Time off allowed me to spend much time reflecting on what I wanted to get out of these upcoming seasons and I feel much more focused and mentally ready. Ultimately my coach, teammates, and most importantly, my parents, have been extremely supportive through it all which I'm thankful for.
Q: Was the decision to study abroad and take time away from track a difficult one, and are you happy that you made that choice?
A: The decision to study abroad was not difficult at all. I knew in my heart that studying abroad was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and track would be here when I returned. In fact, after years of running and a not-so-successful freshman season, I felt in my heart that I needed time off to see if this was still a passion of mine. I'm 100% happy with my choice and miss every moment of living in Shanghai.
Q: How has the season been going for you so far?
A: The season has been great so far. Our team is much closer than before and everyone is really supportive of each other and focused on motivating one another to be the best they can be. The positive vibes have helped me in getting back into the hang of things.
Q: What did you enjoy about witnessing the first-ever Pepperdine indoor track meet?
A: Although I couldn't compete, it was very special to witness. Every program in this country has started as something small and to know that we are the foundation of something that will become much greater in the future is very rewarding. I remember being a freshman and wishing about this so to see it all unfold is exciting.
Q: How have your coaches and teammates helped motivate you and re-adjust to being on the track team after going abroad?
A: Both in and out of practice we spend time as a team bonding and getting to know each other. That especially helps because when you build relationships with your teammates, it only makes your time together on the track better. You're pushing each other to go harder, cheering each other on during that last rep, and just being a good teammate. Having a family dynamic has motivated me because I feel like we are doing this together.
Q: What do you love about running, and what have you enjoyed most particularly about it here with Pepperdine?
A: I love sprinting because for a few seconds I can block out everything else in the world and just be in the moment. As crazy as it may sound, for the brief moment that I'm in the blocks preparing to run, I feel the most relaxed and at peace. It's my favorite "calm before the storm." I also love how I'm competing against other people but most importantly competing against myself to be better than I was the day before. The view at practice has been the best part of running here. Can't beat painful workouts with a nice view!
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