She doesn’t just love to run; she was born to run. Like mother, like daughter, Katie Rainsberger (Instagram: @katierains_17) is out to make her own mark on the sport. Katie is the daughter of Lisa Larsen Weidenbach, the last American woman to win the Boston Marathon. But, her talent far exceeds the finish line. Through her athletic achievement, academic excellence and exemplary character, she earned the 2015-2016 Gatorade National Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year award.
The 5-foot-9 Air Academy senior from Colorado Springs raced to the national title at the Nike Cross Nationals Final this past season, breaking the tape in 16:56.8. The state’s returning Gatorade Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, Rainsberger was unbeaten against all distance competition in 2015. She won the Class 4A individual state championship with a course-record time of 17:39, leading the Kadets to the state title as a team. Rainsberger also won the NXN Southwest Regional championship in 17:07.
Gatorade: What is your team motto?
Katie Rainsberger: Our team motto is “find your why.” Running isn’t always easy or enjoyable but if you have a reason why you are doing it then it all gets put into perspective. Your why should get you out the door, through a workout, and past the pain of racing.
G: What one piece of advice do you have for freshman about being a successful high school student athlete?
KR: I would tell freshman to keep everything enjoyable and to be patient. Success doesn’t happen over night but, instead, through layers of consistent, positive training. Working hard and having fun are the keys that will lead to the greatest enjoyment and longevity.
G: What is your favorite highlight from this year?
KR: My favorite moment(s) from this year has to be winning our schools first ever team state championship in cross country and individually taking home the Nike Cross Nationals title.
G: What training habit has the most impact on your performance?
KR: The most important training habit for me isn’t a single workout or drill, but rather, a collective series of solid, consistent training blocks that allow my confidence to build. Of course drills, plyometrics, yoga, and strength training are all a part of my routine, but by having consistent training, and staying injury free, I have seen the most improvement and success.
G: What have you learned from your coach that you will never forget?
KR: My coach has always been one of my greatest supporters. Through good races and bad ones, great workouts and injuries, he has always taught me that to be a great runner, you have to be a better person. At the end of the day, you will only go as far as your character will allow, so he always has me focus on the positive of each race or day as an experience to be put in the books.