Sophomore Anna Ragsdale has made a name for herself at Randolph with her remarkable performances in cross country. As the school’s top runner, she holds the record for the fastest 5000M time, clocking an impressive 19:04.11 in 2022. But behind the accomplishments on the course, Anna is a driven and focused athlete who credits her passion for running to the relationships she’s built and the support from her family and teammates.

“I first got into cross country because of my neighbor, Jackie Howse. He influenced me to join at a young age,” Anna shares. “What I love most about the sport is the friendships I’ve made, not just with my team but with my competitors too.” That sense of camaraderie, both within and outside the Randolph team, has fueled Anna’s dedication to the sport and her success on the course.

Reflecting on her record-breaking performance at sectionals, Anna recalls the moment vividly. “There was one girl ranked above me for that race, and we had a plan for me to stay with her and pass later in the race. I stayed with her for the first mile and a half, threw in a few surges, and eventually, she dropped off. I kept pushing and ended up winning the race with a personal record.” She smiles, adding, “I didn’t even realize what I had done until the race was over. It was an indescribable feeling.”

As she looks ahead to this season, Anna’s goals remain ambitious. “Personally, I want to break 19 minutes. As for the team, we’re working to get our top five girls under 23 minutes. We have a young, fast team, and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together.”

Balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of being a high-level athlete can be challenging, but Anna has a plan. “It’s all about planning out your schedule ahead of time,” she says. “I get as much work done as possible during the school day so that I can adjust my focus to cross country after school.”

Outside of running, Anna enjoys spending time with her family, watching baking shows, and spending time outdoors to relax and recharge. When asked about the upcoming races she’s most excited about, she points to one in particular: “Outside of Sectionals and State, I’m most excited to race the Dew it on the Trails race because it's a race I’ve never run before, and the times on that course are very fast, with great competition.”

As Randolph’s top runner and a record holder, the pressure could easily weigh on Anna, but she manages it well. “I definitely feel the effects of being the top runner, but I have to focus on my training,” she explains.

When asked how she stays motivated during tough training periods or off-season, Anna emphasizes the importance of rest but also consistency. “I take rest days, but ultimately there is no off-season. I know that I have to train to stay in top shape.”

Anna’s favorite race distance is the 10k. It isn’t a standard distance in high school cross country, but it is something fun that she likes to challenge herself in. “It’s my favorite because it’s the longest race I’ve competed in. I’d like to run even longer races, but I’m just not there yet,” she adds.

As for race strategy, Anna has learned through experience. “After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found that what works best for me is to negative split, instead of going out fast and burning out in the middle of the race,” she shares.

Her passion for running is rooted in family. “Both of my parents were runners, so running has always been a part of my life. I’d go on runs with them as a kid. They’re always at every meet, cheering on the whole team, and they remind me to stay passionate without being too hard on myself.” This balance has helped Anna excel both mentally and physically.

Looking toward the future, Anna has her eyes set on running at the collegiate level. “It’s been a dream of mine to take my running to the next level. I’m excited to see how far I can go as a collegiate athlete.” With her determination and passion, there’s no doubt that Anna Ragsdale will continue to leave her mark on the cross country world.

Her advice to younger runners is simple but powerful: “Accept criticism, appreciate the sport, and embrace the suck.” It’s a mantra that has helped Anna push through the toughest moments in her training and races, and one she hopes will inspire the next generation of Randolph runners.

Make plans to catch Anna and the Cross Country Raiders on the course this season!