by Arielle Andres
| Dana Mecke |
Dana Mecke has enjoyed a great start to her junior cross countrycampaign. In the UTSA Opener on Aug. 29, Mecke and freshman teammateKayla Pratt combined to win the 4x1,200-meter relay in a time of 34:02,13 seconds ahead of a pair of runners from defending SouthlandConference champion Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. After a compellingvictory at the Texas State Invitational in the 3-mile run, in whichMecke posted a final time of 17:30.5 for a winning margin of slightlyunder 17 seconds ahead of Larkin Geyer of Texas, the Smithson ValleyHigh product received her second consecutive SLC Athlete of the Weekhonor. Mecke took a short time off from training to talk with goUTSA.com about her motivation, personal attributes and her rather interesting pet.
Before we get into your athletics career, what are two characteristics about you that hardly anyone else knows?
“I’m crazy, always happy and full of energy, but if you know methen you already know that. I don’t really know any characteristicsabout me that know one knows, because I’m pretty much an open person.I’ll have to do some soul searching with this one.”
What is your favorite thing to do in your hometown of Bulverde?
“Probably go wakeboarding on Canyon Lake or just hang out by mypool at home. I also have a dog and a pet raccoon that I enjoy lookingafter”
With all the weight craze these days, what is the diet of a cross-country runner the day before and the day of a meet?
“It’s basically staying on a normal routine. I don’t reallychange my diet on the days before or of a meet. I definitely stay awayfrom junk food, but I like to drink coffee before meets. I also likeeating oatmeal for breakfast and I love sweet potatoes. They are reallygood.”
On to your phenomenal career. What was your initial influence tonot simply run track but to run long distance in cross country?
“I never thought I would run long distance. My high schoolcoach kind of talked me into it until I tried it and it turned outthat I could run long distance well. After a while, I just embraced thetalent that God blessed me with.”
We are all sure you have heard the phrase “clear the mechanism.” How do you personally prepare for a race?
“I visualize how I want the race to go and think of doing my personal best. I also prepare for a lot of pain.”
What motivates you at the start of the third mile and at the laststretch of the race and to achieve so many awards?
“The start of the third mile is when I begin to turn it onand kick up the pace, so I can gain better position and know that it isalmost over. During the last stretch, I begin to sprint and motivatemyself, knowing I can do it and just think about finishing as fast as Ican. As far as the awards, I never expected to win so many, I justalways wanted to do my best with my talent and never settle for lessthan my best.”
Many of your teammates have described you as amazing, ahard-worker and an all-star. How does this impact you knowing your teamthinks so highly of you?
“Wow, I didn’t know that. That makes me feel really good. I guess itimpacts me to know that my teammates believe in me. I’m happy I alwayshave them for support, I never thought they would say something likethat.”
What is your favorite inspirational quote, and how have you applied it to your life?
“To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice thegift. This is what helps me in knowing I can achieve so much. Also,during races I tell myself ?No guts. No glory’ when it starts to gettough, but I know I can finish strong.”