We caught up with Arkansas' Dominique Scott after her 32:11 at the Stanford Invitational to talk about her NCAA Indoor title, the proposal and what she has in store for the rest of 2015. 

NCAA Indoor Championships was a very busy and exciting weekend for you. What was your mindset as you anchored the Razorbacks to a win in the DMR with the 2nd fastest NCAA time and then coming back and winning the 3K against a loaded field?

Going into the National DMR I focused on getting the win for my teammates. Two of my teammates had forgone competing in the individual mile; I wanted to make sure it was worth their decision. It was predicted that I would be handed the baton a few seconds off the leading team. So I had prepared myself to play catch up. I did not want to rush the process of catching up to Stanford’s anchor. I kept reminding myself that there were eight laps for me to get my team into the lead and to just be patient. I was ecstatic after winning the National DMR title for the second year in a row. There’s something so special about winning a national title with your teammates. I was very surprised when I heard how fast we had run, only about a second off the colligate record.

I was nervous going into the 3000m the next day as I knew there was a stacked field and a lot of them would have fresh legs. So I tried to focus my thoughts on how well and easy I had felt running a 4:28min 1600m during the DMR. I felt amazing during the 3000m; I was not going to let anything stop me from winning. I was so overwhelmed after winning my first individual national title, and then the ESPN reporter told me that my race had secured the National team title for my team – I burst into tears.

Speaking about the 3K Championship, you got proposed to after you picked up your trophy; take us through the proposal.

Yes, Cameron Efurd proposed. Cameron and I met on my recruiting trip to Arkansas in February 2011. He ran for the Razorbacks as well, graduating in 2013. When I got down from the podium my parents who had flown from South Africa to watch the championship, and lots of friends and neighbors greeted me. It was incredible having so many people there to support me that night. Cameron realized it would be a good time to propose while so many of our friends and our families were around so he sprinted to his truck, grabbed the ring and ran back inside. Apparently he looked kind of strange, fidgeting with his shirt. I was distracted taking photos. But then a few of my friends saw him grab his chewing gum and toss it over his shoulder, and they realized, it was about to happen. Cameron asked if he could take a photo with me. Then asked me to put my trophy down. And then proposed. It was the most perfect moment. Having both of our families there and catching me totally by surprise.

Describe your fondest race memory. 

Winning the National 3k title Indoors for sure. 


You are no doubt a threat in the Outdoor 10K. Take us through the Stanford Invite 10k race?

32:11min was definitely a surprise! I took a week off after indoor nationals and then went to Florida with my fiancés family. I started getting back into my training, but was not back up to full mileage. The next week was the Stanford Invite. Coach Harter suggested we start the season off with a 10km, just for fun and to see where I was. I didn’t race to run a certain time, I just raced to compete. So we were both very surprised when we saw my time and realized it was just 11 seconds off the world qualifying standard.

Take us through your average daily routine? What is it like being in your shoes? 

Normally I hug the sheets as long as I can, then I get out of bed and do a 3 to 4 mile morning jog with my puppy Bailey. The distance depends on if I’m racing that week, what type of mileage I’m trying to hit and how hard of a workout I have that afternoon. Then its time for school. After school I grab lunch, and try to relax for 30mins before practice (doesn’t always happen.) Then practice with the team. My favorite time is the evenings; cooking dinner and relaxing with Cameron. I love that feeling knowing that the day is over. 

What is your cross training regimen?

I don’t cross train. If I feel like my body needs a break, then I take a complete break from all training and let my body recover.

What is it like balancing life, training and racing?

Being a D1 student athlete is no joke. But Cameron would tell you that when I’m not busy I find things to make myself busy. Which is probably true. I find traveling and missing class the hardest. Being a senior in my studies there is a large amount of content covered in each class. So every time you miss just one class you fall way behind and it is your responsibility to catch up.

What is it like training and racing in the States?

Competitive! If I ha to explain it in one word. Coming from a small country like South Africa, I was not exposed to as much talent or depth in races. Division one sports in the United States are extremely competitive. I truly believe it is the best collegiate athletes in the world. Training in the states is hard, but so rewarding. Training with the best, pushes you to greater heights and ultimately brings out the best in you.

Describe your pre-race ritual. 

My teams pre-race ritual is fish for dinner the night before. I normally have salmon, rice and vegetables (definitely my most healthy meal of the week.) I like taking Epsom salt baths the night before to relax. 

Describe your childhood dream.

Growing up I dreamed of getting a scholarship to attend university in the United States, and ultimately running in the Olympics. This dream motivated me throughout high school.

Describe your worst habit.

Doing too much! I fill up my days to the very brim, leaving no down time to relax.

Describe the kind of kid you were in high school.

I thought I was weird in high school because I only cared about sports! I went to boarding school so that I could be closer to an outdoor track. I was extremely self-disciplined and motivated.

If you had a day off from your everyday responsibilities, describe how you would spend it.

I would sleep in, and then go to brunch at Rick’s Bakery. Most of the day would be spent being lazy and enjoying the amazing Arkansas spring weather.

Tell us about your favorite memory with one of your current or past training partners.

Winning the National DMR two years in a row (2014,2015.) All six girls I ran with are incredible athletes and people. It was so special being a part of those winning relay teams and sharing the moment with my friends.

Describe the perfect post-race meal in detail.

Oooh that would have to be a thick crust pizza with a glass of cabernet. Topped off with Ben and Jerry’s ice cream of course.

Describe your guilty pleasure.

Honestly I don’t really have a guilty pleasure. I allow myself to eat whatever I’m craving. Everything in moderation!

If you could give one piece of advice to any runner, what would it be and why?

Don’t take running too seriously. A true life balance is what will ultimately bring out the best in your racing.

Describe your favorite place to run or train.

I love training at home in Cape Town, South Africa. There are so many scenic routes. You can run along the coast or in the mountains. I never get bored during my runs at home simply because of the beautiful surroundings.

Dinner with 3, who and why?

Again and again I would chose to have a family dinner around my kitchen table at home in Constantia, Cape Town with my younger sister Tash and my mom and dad, Renee and Mike.

This may seem boring but I truly miss family dinners. They were routine while I was growing up. Back then I did not realize how much I enjoyed them until they were simply not an option anymore.

Being so far away from my family is definitely the hardest part of studying in the States.

What is your main goal for this Outdoor season? 

I would like to win another national individual title, what event that will be in, I don’t quite know! 

What does racing/training look like for you in the next 6 months?

My main focus for the outdoor season will be the D1 National Outdoor Championships in June. At the end of June I’m planning on going overseas to run in a few professional races, to gain experience and exposure. If I qualify for worlds sometime during the season, I guess my season could potentially be a little bit longer.