Full Of Confidence, Emily Covert Is Ready For A Big Year

Aug 23, 2018

Emily Covert is ready for an encore.

The Minneapolis Washburn High School senior, who qualified for both Nike Cross Nationals and Foot Locker Nationals last fall, returns as one of the top runners in the country in 2018.

But after winning her first state cross country title in Minnesota and earning an All-American finish at Foot Locker a year ago, expectations have soared higher for the 17-year-old, who first began competing in the sport as a seventh-grader and has steadily improved since then.

Can Covert compete for a national title?

There's no doubt her schedule will be busy this fall. With official visits coming, she'll have to navigate recruiting, training and tough races as she decides on where her future might lie at the NCAA Division I level.

But before she heads into her final season on grass in Minnesota, check out what she has to say about her experience in cross country and where she hopes to go in 2018.

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1. Last year was THE YEAR, if that makes any sense. How would you describe what THE YEAR did for your confidence, your development, your maturation process, your future in 2018?

The past year was a confidence booster because it made me realize that I could achieve my running goals. Over the past year, I have noticed a development in the way I race. I have learned to stay patient and trust the process, and I know that this will carry over to my future running carrier.

2. It all starts with last fall, though maybe not at Roy Griak, where everyone first saw your big breakthrough. That might not have been the moment. Maybe it was your junior debut, when you went 17:46.30 at the Columbus Catholic Invite. What do you remember feeling after that race?

The Columbus Catholic Invitational is where I realized my potential for the upcoming 2017 cross country season. That race helped build my confidence for Roy Griak. I knew that Roy Griak would be a very competitive race, but I approached the race with an open mind. After the race, I remember feeling this overwhelming sense of accomplishment that set the tone for the rest of my cross country season.

3. How do you feel your offseason in 2017 prepared you to have success week-in and week-out as a junior, and how did you utilize that same format or alter it slightly to become even better in 2018?

I set goals for myself in the offseason, and I stayed focused on achieving them. I did not alter any of my training.

4. What was your favorite race of 2017 and why?

Roy Griak was my favorite race because it was a breakthrough race in my cross country season.

5. When the postseason hit, you turned the corner and really started to hit the gas. You won state and qualified for NXN and Foot Locker? Was that a big turning point for you?

Winning state was the momentum I needed to race well postseason.

6. How would you describe your experience at the national meets? I know you had a cold at NXN, and then came back and crushed it at Foot Locker Nationals. What did that tell you about yourself?

Last year at NXN I came down with the flu and didn't realize it at the time. When I came back to Minneapolis I saw a doctor. I took the time between the national races to recover, so I could race well at Footlocker.

7. Last year at NXN you brought a camera to journal the experience. Have you looked back at any of that footage and reminisced? Do you plan to journal your experiences in 2018?

My experience at NXN was very memorable, to say the least. I am glad that I brought my vlog camera to reminisce on my froggy voice and the amazing experience. It is likely I will vlog this year, hopefully without a froggy voice.

8. As a senior, you're going to have a busy fall. As most high-profile runners know, this is the time for visits, and sometimes it becomes difficult to navigate all your obligations both as a runner and in finding your future home. How have you adjusted?

I have taken some unofficial visits over the summer which will help ease some stress this upcoming fall. My coaches have sent me the racing schedule, so I can plan my official visits accordingly.

"I knew that Roy Griak would be a very competitive race, but I approached the race with an open mind. After the race, I remember feeling this overwhelming sense of accomplishment that set the tone for the rest of my cross country season."

9. What visits have you taken thus far, and where are you leaning in terms of schools? When do you think you'll come to a decision? Commitment first, or announcement on signing day?

I have taken some unofficial visits out west. I am leaning towards schools with strong academics, a great team and coaching staff. I am planning on making my announcement on signing day.

10. You've been running well since your seventh-grade season, when you won the girls Maroon race at Roy Griak. Have your dreams been realized, or have you done things you didn't expect to do when you first started competing?

Winning Roy Griak as a seventh grader was an astonishing achievement. I have always set high goals for myself at a very young age. I would like to think that my dreams have been realized, but it all seems surreal in the moment.

11. The track season saw you run the fastest 3200m time indoors and then you turned around and won another title outdoors at the distance. What did that feel like?

I remember feeling a sense of accomplishment after my first indoor race, and it really set the tone for the outdoor season, winning the state title outdoors was the goal. After the race, I had the confidence I needed for New Balance Nationals.

"My favorite follow on Instagram is @shalaneflanagan because she is an inspiration to female athletes"

12. From your sophomore to junior year, you cut 11 seconds off your 1600m time (down to 4:47) and 25 seconds off your 3200m best (10:06). What do you attribute that success to? Determination? Perseverance? Execution?

I attribute my success to determination, perseverance, and execution. However, I remain prayerful through the process and thank God every day for giving me this amazing opportunity.

13. What goals do you have in store for the 2018 cross country season? What haven't you done that you would like to do?

My goal for the 2018 season is to keep bettering myself and to help build the Washburn team for future success.

14. What's your pre-race routine, and why is it important to you?

I do not follow a strict pre-race routine, but I make sure to get good sleep and eat lots of carbs : )

15. Who's your favorite follow on Twitter or Instagram and why?

My favorite follow on Instagram is @shalaneflanagan because she is an inspiration to female athletes especially those who want to "Run Fast, Cook Fast, and Eat Slow." "F4%K YEAH!!!!!"