Big River Interview: Merideth Snow

Merideth Snow is arguably the most decorated female distance runner in Missouri high school history. With nine State titles in less than three years (Snow also won a State title in Nebraska as a freshman) the Eureka senior will look to add four more titles at the end of May when she will compete in the 4x400 and 4x800 relays as well as the 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Most recently, Snow ran a personal best of 10 minutes, 19 seconds in the 3200 meter run at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational in California .

BR: First of all, congratulations on your great run at Arcadia . You had been out there in 2005 as well. Did that experience help you this year?

MS: Last year I wasn't sure what I was going to do beforehand. We had kind of a cautious strategy because we knew it was going to be so fast. I just kind of came from behind and ended up running 10:34 . This year we knew that anything can happen at Arcadia . Last year was so fast and we knew it would be really fast again. It's always perfect weather and there are lots of fast girls and it is just the perfect set up for a fast race. My plan was just to run in the front pack. We ran a 71 first lap so I knew it was fast. In the first couple of laps I was way at the back of the front pack. I just kept moving up and by the last three laps [Foot Locker Champ Jordan ] Hasay was way out front and Keara Sammons and I were together. With 200 to go I took off and passed her and just hung on to the end.

BR: Well, you just finished up your last conference meet this past weekend. Tell us how it went.

MS: It went okay. We had had a hard week of training. The team is always the focus at conference and you just try to get as many points as you can. Our team has won nine conference titles and we don't want to be the ones to let the streak go. I ran the mile in 5:07 . I started out fast but kind of died. In the two mile I was trying to help one of my teammates run a personal best so I ran with her for a mile and then picked it up in the second mile and ran 11:29 . I also ran the 4x400.

BR: Out of curiosity, what can you split for a 400?

MS: I think a 59 low is my best.

BR: So what is the game plan for this year's State Meet? Will you by trying to get as many points as you can or will you be going for some State records?

MS: A little bit of both. I'll be running the 4x8, the 4x4, the mile, and the 2 mile. The mile is first and I'll try to go for a PR. The record is 4:49 and I've never been close to that but you never know what can happen at State. At least I'd like a PR. Our 4x8 is ready to duke it out for a State title. Once our miles are down we'll be ready to go for a fast time. My big goal is to go for the State record in the 2 mile. [Ed. Note- the record for the 3200 is 10:25 set by Meghan Thompson of Hazelwood Central]

BR: Tell us a little bit about your training. Are there any key workouts that you guys have done that show how fit you are right now?

MS: We're getting a pretty good amount of miles right now. We are moving into more speed stuff though. We just did an all out 1000 last week. It's a good chance to see where we're at compared to last year. We also do that early in the season so it is a chance to see our progress. With all the races it's difficult to get a lot of tough workouts in. We'll have some attention getters coming up though.

BR: What are the plans for the post season?

MS: I'll be at Nike Outdoor Nationals. Last year I did Golden West and Nike, but this year I'm just focusing on one. I'm definitely running the 2 mile out there. I'll also do a mile either open or on the distance medley depending on how the other girls are feeling.

BR: Speaking of the distance medley, you had a great team a couple years back with Jesse Battistini, Kasey Kimball and Shannon Leinert. You guys came in a close second and both teams were under the National record. How does that race rank among your favorite high school moments and what is your favorite moment?

MS: Definitely that distance medley in North Carolina . At the time we were disappointed because we wanted to win and have that record be our own. Now we are just thrilled that we were a part of that. Also the 4x8 that year at the National meet. We were able to run nine seconds faster than our State record. For me personally, the cross country State record was really important. Also we have such a great tradition at Eureka and all our relays have been special. Actually the 4x4 my sophomore year at conference was one that sticks out. We didn't run really fast or anything, but the atmosphere was just so great.

BR: Let's go back to the fall for a minute. What was it like to go the Foot Locker National Meet and how would you describe the experience?

MS: It was a great experience. The Midwest girls were great and it was fun to get to know them a little bit. Plus, they took really good care of us. We got a lot of great stuff! The race didn't go as well as I'd hoped. My asthma had caused me some problems, but it was still a great experience.

BR: As you look to next year, what events do you think you might be running on the track? Will you be a 5k-10k type?

MS: I'm probably going to be a 5k-10k type. We'll wait and see. I'm just excited to go.

BR: As you leave the high school scene what advice do you have to the young girls who are coming through the ranks?

MS: I would say don't burnout early. A lot of girls want to be really good right now. That's good but you have to build up slowly. Work really hard but work really smart as well. Pay attention to your body. Your goal is to continue to improve.

Merideth, thanks for an unbelievable interview. Best of luck at State and at Nationals!