Erin Finn is Puttin' on the Hurt

Feb 19, 2013 by Mitch Kastoff

Erin Finn has been doing big things this indoor season. Well, that's a misnomer - it hasn't really been a true "indoor" season for her. In addition to blazing some early season marks, she's competed at the NACAC XC championships and USA XC championships. We catch up with the Michigan-bound senior before she makes the trip to Seattle to once again compete at the Brooks PR Invitational.

1) A lot has happened between Foot Locker Midwest and now. Let's start with your season opener, or "workout," at the MITS Meet. How'd that 10:18.23 feel?

A lot definitely has happened since Foot Locker Midwest! Luckily, everything has gone in a little different direction. Not qualifying for Foot Locker Cross Country Championships was probably one of the most devastating experiences that I have ever had in my running career. I knew that I belonged at nationals, but was sitting at home and watching them instead. (Fortunately there is no way to get the Foot Locker curse now!).

However, I believe that this experience fueled and inspired me, thus giving me a purpose in my early winter training. Because of that negative experience in Kenosha, Wisconsin, I am in better shape than I have ever been in; this showed when I ran at the MITS meet. By missing cross country nationals, I feel like I have something to prove!

2) Coming off that race (and a 4:47.75 mile), do you have any goal in mind for Brooks PR 2-mile?

Brooks PR 2-mile goals are in the works, but I plan on running a fast and smart race. I hope that all of the girls in the race are ready to hurt a little! I know that I am!

3) Even though it's indoor season, it looks like you really didn't want cross country to end. You've already represented the U.S. once at NACAC, but you'll compete under the Red, White, and Blue again at World Cross in March. How were those two races? What do you expect in Bydogszcz, Poland?

As I said before, having my high school season cut short was very difficult; I love cross country and have had dreams about competing at higher levels in it since I first learned about the sport.

Being selected for the NACAC XC Championships junior team was a great honor and I am ecstatic about competing in the XC World Championships. The NACAC race was interesting because Jamaicans are so laid back! The course was not even set up until the morning of the race and even then it was a little long.

Competing at USA XC Nationals was extremely cool because I was able to try a 6km race for the first time! I can’t wait to race this distance again in Poland and in college cross! As of now, I am not sure of what to expect in Poland. I know that there will be some very fast girls from other nations and am currently trying to get as fit as possible to represent Team USA as well as I can.

4) What else do you plan to race this indoor season?

I only plan on racing once more after Brooks PR. I will be racing the New Balance Indoor Nationals 5000m at the Armory on March 8, 2013.

5) Since its young beginning, you've been a part of every Brooks PR. What does the meet mean to you?

Brooks PR is one of the coolest races in which I have ever participated. It is all about having a blast and racing fast. I love Brooks as a running shoe and gear company, but the people who organize the event are even cooler. They are genuinely dedicated to running and interested in improving their brand; I think that this is really cool!!

Also, the amount of care that they put into the invite is incredible. I am beyond honored to have been able to compete in the race during its initial three years.

6) Anyone in particular you're looking forward to competing against at the Dempsey?

I cannot wait to race all of the girls, but I am especially excited to race the badger!! Wesley Frazier and I chose which name we wanted from the video that Flotrack made about the meet (I am the eagle)! Also, I am really excited to be going to the meet with all of the other Michigan girls (there are seven of us, three of whom are attending the University of Michigan in the fall!).

7) Everyone is talking about the harsh winter, but down here in Austin, TX, it's pretty warm. Would you trade a Michigan winter (20s) and an Texas summer (100s)?

That is a difficult question! I have always said the Michigan winters make runners stronger, but I am really beginning to be fed up with the cold and snow. Also, I love the heat and don’t mind racing in it. So I guess that I am not sure!

8) What do you need to accomplish to make this a perfect senior year?

Sorry to bring up Foot Locker again, but this taught me not to hinge seasons on individual meets, titles, or times. To have a perfect senior year, I want to enjoy each race that I compete in. I want to remember that I compete for fun because I love running. I want to have a wonderful time with my teammates and friends, train hard, and soak up the last bits of awesomeness from high school track and field.