Two Races, No Problem: Jenna Mulhern Is Ready For RXC2

Nov 23, 2021

The 2021 cross country season wasn't a traditional one for Jenna Mulhern.

Most athletes compete for their high school team and race a few meets throughout the year.

This year was different for Mulhern. The Furman signee, a senior at West Chester Henderson High School (PA), raced at the Garden State Twilight 5K where she ran a 16:25.22 on the track and then at the FSU Pre-Nationals, where she ran her first 6K.

She competed in two races this season ... and that's it.

What led to this decision?

During the pandemic, Mulhern decided to compete unattached during her senior season. This enabled her to have different opportunities and to train with runner partners in Florida.

Some may scratch their heads and ask if two races were enough to have a strong and fruitful season.

"I feel good, energized and ready to race since it's been a while," Mulhern told MileSplit's Olivia Ekpone.

On December 4, she will compete for the national title at RunningLane Cross Country Championships.

Even while racing against an elite field with stiff competition, Mulhern believes that the girls title is up for grabs.

"We are all running great," she said. "We all have a great shot. There's going to be so much excitement and so much energy. Everyone will have a great race. Everyone can go in 'thinking I can win today,' and that's really exciting and great for everyone."

Interview Segments:

What she thinks of her season so far and her memorable moments so far (0:30)
What led to the decision to just having two races and then competing at RunningLane Cross Country Nationals (1:27)
How has this decision helped her (2:22)
How has she been able to train (3:11)
What advantages she has with only two races underneath her belt (3:40)
How did the FSU Pre-National 6K prepare her for RunningLane XC Championships (5:15)
How has the 6K race helped her mentally (6:50)
Goals for RunningLane XC Championships (7:24)
What advantages does the girls race have with no clear favorite (8:55)
Mulhern's race strategy for RunningLane XC Championships (10:05)
Which athletes is she ready to compete again at this meet (10:43)
Does she have a pre-race ritual? (11:34)
Her experience in Huntsville, Alabama for RunningLane Track Championships (12:11)