Nicole Blood KWIK-E By Tony Casey

Oregon Duck Nicole Blood, a three-time junior champion, boasts personal bests of 9:22 and 16:19 (the top freshman time in the country last outdoor season). She and the Lady Ducks look to make a big splash on the nation this cross country season.

How did your summer go with training?

It went great, a lot better than last year. I'm healthy and ready to go. After Brazil I took some time off because it was a long season. I actually got my wisdom teeth out, so that might have been good, it made me take time off. I gradually got into it and by the time I got back here for preseason camp I was ready to up my mileage. It was perfect timing, I'm feeling fresh.

Did you do any racing over the summer?

I went back to New York to visit family, which I do every year. My mom and I ran the Harkness Mile in Saratoga. We kind of ran it together, we were the only two in the elite race. My mom wanted to try to run a fast time; we ended up running 5:42. That's the only race type deal I did. She's in real good shape, I had fun with that.

Why do you run?

I'm a really competitive person and running was a thing where it can be a really fun team sport. You can also shine as an individual and be really competitive with yourself and other people. I think running cross country and track brings that all together.

What does "Nicole Blood" bring to the table?

I try to be a positive person as much as I can. It's important to have fun and be serious when you need to. I try to "bring all of that to the table", as you say.

What's your favorite pair of running shoes ever?

I had a pair of Asics from eighth grade which I beat Molly Huddle in and won cross country states. Those are two really big memories and big races for me. My parents got them bronzed. I don't even have my baby shoes bronzed.

Favorite Music?

My favorite song right now is "Stronger".

Favorite Movie?

Wedding Crashers, it's probably in my all-time favorites. It's one of the movies we can get the boys to watch on the bus.

What does your diet consist of?

In high school I didn't pay attention to my diet at all; it was a lot of junk food. Now that I've went to college and I'm more aware of that and we have a nutritionist. They're big on protein and I've definitely upped my vegetables and fruits. You've got to have your sweets; I need a piece of chocolate everyday. I still have everything, but lighter on desserts and more on the fruits and vegetables.

How do you and your teammates pass the time going to meets?

The bus rides are always interesting because we have boys and girls together and we always fight over the movies. That was interesting on our way to camp. We make up games where you have to concentrate and we have to clap and snap our fingers. We're all easily entertained. It doesn't matter what we do; we're all having a good time.

Who's your favorite runner ever?

I've always looked up to Suzy Favor Hamilton. I've got her book and everything. I got to know her pretty well at Footlockers. She just makes you feel like you're on the same level as her. She's fun, she'll joke around with you and you're not intimidated at all. Given her record, you'd think you'd be intimidated.

What team goals do you have?

Well everyone is really excited and pumped up. Camp was a lot better than last year, when we started off with a few injuries right off the bat; it was tough to train with everyone. We’re going to surprise ourselves. We're a huge underdog this year and no one is expecting us to do much of anything. Really we just want to take down as many big teams as we can.

What individual goals do you have?

I'd love to be top-10 at PAC 10s. To make it to Nationals would be great too. That would be an awesome experience.

Do you like the track better or cross country?

I've always been a cross country runner all throughout high school. It's always been more fun for me. But after the last track season I had, it's hard to say that. I really enjoyed running the 5K, which I never thought I would.

So, you're out of the junior races now?

I'm out of the junior races now, it's definitely more motivation. I think it's what I need, you know, it's fun to move up to the next level. You're back down to an underdog.