Freshman distance runner Jordan White ran to a top-10 finish at last weekend's Kentucky Invite to lead the Vanderbilt Track and Field team. The team returns to action this week at the Indiana Invite. White spoke with The Vanderbilt Hustler about the strong start to her career, how she prepared for competition in the Southeastern Conference and the importance of team support,
Vanderbilt Hustler: In the first race of your collegiate career, you placed ninth at the Kentucky Invitational, turning in the second best freshman time. How big of an accomplishment was that for you?
Jordan White: For me, it was really important as my first collegiate race running for Vanderbilt, and my first race coming back from an injury. It was great to be able to get back and run.
VH: With one race under your belt, how would you say the atmosphere of SEC racing compares to your four years as a runner in high school?
JW: The competition is a lot more serious, everyone is prepared to run their events and put up the best time possible. It's awesome to be able to run against people with so much dedication and skill.
VH: As a middle distance runner for Vanderbilt, which events do you specialize in?
JW: I run anything from 600 to 1500 meters. The 800 is probably my favorite event; now that I have raced it more, I really like it.
VH: What type of atmosphere does coach Steve Keith and the rest of the coaching staff encourage during workouts, practices and meets?
JW: I would definitely say that we are very team-oriented. We're always cheering each other on during practices and races. It's a really great atmosphere for running.
VH: Coming back from an injury, how have you been training to increase your speed and endurance these past couple of months?
JW: I started doing workouts again after Thanksgiving, which was the first time I really got to run with the rest of the team. I wasn't able to run cross country in the fall because of my injury.
VH: How do you think running both cross country and track next year will improve your running?
JW: I think cross country serves as a great base for the indoor and outdoor season because it creates a good base and allows you to pick up speed for the track seasons. Next year, I'm definitely looking forward to getting that base and improving upon it.
VH: If you had to pinpoint your greatest asset as a runner, what would you say it is?
JW: I'm a pretty mental person, and there comes a time in every race where it's no longer about how fast you are, its mental and you need to push yourself through it.
VH: How did you get interested in running at such a young age?
JW: When I was little, I ran a lot of short races and miles events. I focused on soccer for a little while, but I realized I was more passionate about running in the end.
VH: What it is about the sport of running that keeps you dedicated?
JW: I think the fact that it's an individual and a team sport. You can run an individual race and then come back with a relay. It's just a great feeling to be able to push yourself to that limit.
VH: Being only a freshman and already contributing to your team's efforts, what excites you the most about the next four years?
JW: I'm really excited to see how everything plays out and how the training is going to help me become a better runner. I want to keep lowering my times over the next four years and have a great time with the people that I'm running with.
