College Days – Heidi Gregson Interview

Australian Heidi had a phenomenal start to running as a junior, but a number of stress fractures took their toll. After almost giving up running competitively for good, Heidi was contacted by Iona assistant coach Gavin Kennedy and she made her way to New York to restart her running career. We caught up with Heidi to get a little insight into the college scene, how she is traveling, and her plans looking forward.

RT: Heidi, thanks for your time. What’s the latest from Iona?

HG: I’m actually sitting in the airport in Indianapolis right now, on my way home from Pre-Nats. I finished in 34th today, and our girl’s team came in 8th. Overall I feel O.K. about it, especially because it is my first race of the season. Still got a lot of work to do though.

RT: For those who have not kept up with your results, give us a run-down of 2011 so far?

HG: The track season for 2011 was a little rough for me. In 2010 I was back running 4.19s and 2.07s off little training, so after eight months of hard work I was expecting a big breakthrough. I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself, which I feel played a part in the disappointing season. I also found out I had an iron deficiency issue, so I have been working on fixing that over the last few months. 

RT: Were you hoping to run a bit faster over 1500?

HG: My coaches and I felt my training reflected about 4.14 shape, so when I kept running around 4.20 it was very frustrating. For my senior year I want to make sure I’m healthy and relaxed so that my races will start matching up to what I know I’m capable of. I’m always a better athlete when I’m enjoying myself.

RT: When do you finish up at college?

HG: I’m graduating in May 2012. I have an extra season of eligibility for X-Country the following semester, but I’ve made the decision to move on after track is over.

RT: Are you planning to move straight back to Sydney after your college days are over?

HG: The plan for me at the moment is to hang around in the U.S. for another year after I graduate. The main reason for this decision is that my boyfriend lives in the States. Since he is a runner as well and is based here with training, it makes more sense at this stage for me to stay. 

RT: You had some major injury problems as a junior, stemming from a fractured femur you experienced during a trip to the snow.  Is this same problem still affecting you at all?

HG: The femur itself has never given me any troubles, but all my injuries are on the left side because of it. At the moment I am running through a minor tendon injury in my foot. I had six weeks off between July and August, but it’s still hanging around. MRI scans have not shown any bone damage, so right now the plan is to keep it monitored and continue with the season.

RT: How have you enjoyed the collegiate system?

HG: The collegiate system has only given me good things. Being a part of this team brought back my love for running I felt I had lost over the years that I struggled with injury.  My coaches have always been very supportive and I have met some amazing people that mean a lot to me.

RT: What is New York City like?

HG: New York is an incredible city. Iona is just a short train trip form Grand Central so I always make sure to go in as much as I can. I love the culture and one of my favourite places is central park during the summer.

RT: Are you speaking with an accent yet?

HG: Americans still think I’m aussie as ever, but when I come home on break my friends think I have a American twang. I notice that I say “I mean” a lot before everything I say, which I think makes me sound very irritating. 

RT: Do you recommend the college system to Aussie friends? Have your recruited any?

HG: Going to the U.S. was great for me, but I think it is a very personal thing. I think if someone is seriously considering the idea and wanting a new experience than they should go for it, but you have to be prepared to give up a lot of things. I’ve always been able have a lot of say in my training and races, but I know that there are other schools that do not cater to athletes in that way.  

RT: What’s the plan post college? Is the goal to come home and compete the Aussie circuit?

HG: I definitely want to continue running after college, but I know I have to run a good bit faster to be able to compete at the level that I’m striving for. For the next couple of years I’ll be in the U.S. but my plan is to eventually come home and compete.

RT: Any idea on what coach or group you will join if you do come home to train?

HG: It’s hard for me to make long term plans at this stage so I haven’t really given much thought to running specifics back home in Australia. Maybe Grant Cremer should get back into coaching a bit more! 

RT: Coolest thing about college?

HG: Being a part of something bigger than just myself and my own goals. 

RT: Crappiest thing about college?

HG: A bunk bed in a room with four girls during my freshman year. It was rough.