The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Q&A with Janine Davis
11.15.2006 | XC: Women_Old, Track & Field / Cross Country
With her first year at The University of Texas under her belt, sophomore mid-distance runner Janine Davis is ready for a strong year on the track and in the classroom. The second-year harrier from Elizabeth, N.J., stopped by between class and practice to answer a few questions.
Most people are not aware, but many spring sports have off-season training in the fall and the summer. How is fall training this year and can you compare it to last season? Fall training has been very intense. It is definitely more intense than my freshman year because Coach Kearney has increased my distance base. Transitioning from a middle distance routine to long workouts, I have to run more than EVER!
Do you feel the change in your routine is working out? Yes, I definitely feel a difference because I feel a lot stronger, both physically and mentally. Before this year, when I was scheduled to do a three-mile run, I immediately would say, 'I can't do this.' Now I attack the training and I've noticed the difference. The mileage is a little easier now because of my new style of training.
Has this overall mentality spread throughout the locker room? The change is felt across the board. Coach Kearney has always had the same strong mentality and this year is no different. We're also using last year's finish as extra motivation. We graduated a number of upperclassmen; we don't have Marshevet (Hooker) or Melaine (Walker). We are headed into the spring season with a smaller and less defined group but we want the same results. We are stepping up to continue the same level that Coach Kearny has always had.
You are in your second year in college. How are you adjusting to class? Now I know what's expected and how things work. When I schedule my classes, I can work around my track schedule and my education. It's a lot easier this year because I have the one year down. If I have a paper due, I know I need to plan -- get started to get it accomplished instead of staying up all night and trying to practice the next day on two hours of sleep.
