This week on '20 Questions' we spent time getting to know senior distance runner Amanda Larson.
20Q: How did you get started in track & field?
AL: I got started in track and field because my dry land coach for skiing was big into running. At practice she would always tell me “you seem to enjoy the running the most, you should join track and run the longer events.” I had done elementary school track, but it was always just for fun and to hangout with my friends. In 8th grade I joined the high school track team and that's when I really started to love running.
20Q: In your own words, describe your event and what you love about it?
AL: I mainly run the mile and the 1500-meter outdoor. I would say it is a good balance of endurance and speed.
20Q:What is your goal for the season?
AL: My goal for outdoor season is to best my PR by five seconds. Also, to just enjoy the experience and take it for all it is worth with this being my last year.
20Q: What was the best advice ever given to you?
AL: Running is a sport you can do your whole life.
20Q: Which athlete inspires you the most?
AL: Mikaela Shiffrin; she is a downhill ski racer and is absolutely phenomenal especially for only being 22 years old. She has accomplished more than most professional athletes will in a lifetime. I love that she is so humble. Every time she wins a race or accomplishes something new she is elated and always appears so grateful even if things don't go as planned.
20Q:What would you like to be remembered for?
AL: I would like to be remembered as someone who has positive energy, is there for my teammates, and overall for being a hard worker and pushing my teammates to be the best they can be. I would like to be remembered as someone who exudes positive energy, works hard and supports my teammates so they can perform their best.
20Q: What is your pre-competition ritual if you have one?
AL: I don't really have one.
20Q: What are your hobbies outside of athletics?
AL: Outside of running, I love to go downhill skiing in the mountains, hiking and camping with friends and family.
20Q: Name one thing most people would be surprised to know about you?
AL: That I actually talk a lot if you get to know me.
20Q: The best part of being an athlete?
AL: Being able to compete in a sport I love and be a part of a team.
20Q: Which teammate inspires you the most and why?
AL: Megan K. because she always works hard whether at practice or in the classroom. She is passionate about what she does, and is always there for others with a smile on her face. She is very determined to reach her goals even if they don't always come easy. Also, she gives great hugs.
20Q: What are three things on your bucket list?
AL: Three things on my bucket list are…
- Learn to fly a hot air balloon
- Ski in the Swiss Alps
- Travel around the world
20Q: If you could do any event in track & field, what would it be & why?
AL: I think it would be fun to try javelin, because who doesn't want to chuck a spear through the air.
20Q: Who has made the biggest impact in your life?
AL: My sister has made the biggest impact in my life. She lead the way for me in athletics, especially in skiing and I always wanted to be like her. She has always pushed me to be the best runner I can be even though she can't keep up with me. She is always there for me in good or bad and I know she always will be.
20Q: What is your goal after you graduate?
AL: After I graduate I am hoping to further my flight career by teaching others how to fly and then within a year start my career as a commercial airline pilot. I would also like to experience living in another part of the country because I have lived in the Midwest my whole life.
20Q: How would your teammates describe you?
AL: My teammates would probably all say I am quiet.
20Q: What is your favorite movie of all time? Why?
AL: I can't pick just one movie so my favorite movie series is Fast and Furious. They all have good story lines and great action scenes.
20Q: Which road-trip are you most looking forward to this season and why?
AL: Our road trip to Fargo at the beginning of May. I know it's not the most exciting place to go but it will be a bitter sweet trip. Fargo will be the last track meet that my family will get to watch of my collegiate career, also the last time I will be racing with most of my teammates. I know it will be an emotional day, but looking back on my 10 years of running, I would not trade it for the world.
20Q: What makes UND special to you?
AL: The people I have met while here. Some of them I know will be lifelong friends. Also, being able to pursue the career I have always dreamed of in one of the top programs in the country.
20Q: What is the best thing about living where you do?
AL: That it is a fairly small, tight knit community, and it reminds me of where I grew up.
