Track Q&A: Catie Barilla
3/16/2016 2:17:00 PM | Track, Competing With Purpose Blog
Catie Barilla, a freshman runner on the women's track team, recently broke the 400 hurdles record in her very first outdoor meet, then lowered her time at the second meet.She provides insight into what she thinks makes someone a good hurdler and how her journey has been so far with running as a freshman for Pepperdine:
Q: How was the transition coming in as a freshman runner to college-level athletics?
A: The transition was fairly easy. Track is a mental game and with the right mindset, anything is achievable. Â
Q: How in your opinion does someone become a good hurdler?
A: Practice. Running hurdles requires endurance, technique and speed. With the right amount of focus and training these abilities will become second nature. But practice does not make perfect -- it makes permanent. So this is why is it important to go into every practice willing to give 100% or more.
Q: Was it hard going from 300 meters in high school to 400 in college?
A: Before actually running the race, I was terrified of the extra 100 meters. I would imagine myself running and dying out in the end. Lucky for me, this didn't happen. I ran as fast as I could and just like that, the race was over. Honestly, now I prefer 400 hurdles over 300s.
Q: How did it feel coming in and doing so well right off the bat - specifically breaking the 400 hurdles record twice in your first two meets?
A: Â Honestly, I still haven't processed the past few meets. I think me breaking the record has only motivated me to want to train harder and run faster. I give all my glory to God and hope to keep improving my time.
Q: What goals have you set for yourself going forward?
A: I am hoping to progressively lower my time with each season. I really just enjoy running and wherever that takes me, I will be happy.
Q: Has anyone been a mentor to you or helped you in your athletic career here so far?
A: The previous 400 hurdle record-holder, Hannah Turpin, has been an amazing motivator and pushes me through every practice. She always has the best attitude and I am really lucky to be learning from her. Another person who has helped me in my athletic career is my RA Christan. Although she doesn't run track anymore, she still has the mindset of a D-I athlete. Almost everyday after practice, I go talk to her about how I performed that day or how I feel. She never fails to give me great advice and keep my attitude in check. Really, everyone on the team is so supportive and I am thankful to be a part of this Pepperdine family.
Q: What's your background with track and what led you to come to Pepperdine?
A: My dad inspired me to run track. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and share the same passion he had for athletics. I competitively started running track my freshman year in high school and immediately knew it was the sport for me. However, I did not choose Pepperdine specifically to run track. At a very young age, my mom introduced me to Pepperdine and I have wanted to go here ever since.
Q: What have you enjoyed about running for Pepperdine?
A: I enjoy being part ofa team that supports each other on the best and worst days. We are all working to conquer new goals and set new boundaries.
Q: What advice might you have for other freshman athletes in making the transition from high school to college?
A: Be confident in yourself and your coaches. You know the amount of work you have put into your athletic career--trust that. Your coaches are there to help you and only want to see you improve. Embrace the challenges.
Players Mentioned
