Chelsea Hartman
Shady Side Academy
Senior
Favorite XC Course: Cal U

What are your goals for this cross-country season?
As my coach likes to tell me: I’m ambitious. And despite my fears at making this known in case I “fail,” I want to defend my WPIAL title and put myself in position to snag a state title in early November. I’d also like to race some faster courses to get my legs moving, push the pace more than usual, and familiarize myself with the paces and/or strategies I’d like to employ on our hilly courses.

 How has cross-country running impacted your life outside the sport?
The joy I find in this sport absolutely filters into other areas of my life. My mental health is so much better because of it. There’s truth to a runner’s high—that dopamine rush—because for me, it’s a safe space from depression and anxiety. Beyond that, it’s taught me that often physical and mental limits are just a perception; they are not definite ceilings, and they can be broken.

Can you share any memorable experiences or achievements from your cross-country career so far?

There are two that stand out to me:

During WPIALs last year, when I was feeling the fatigue, my coach really taught me how to dial-in. Previously, I’d finished races (and maybe I’d have even won) with a nagging thought that “I should’ve pushed myself harder…” or “I could’ve done better” especially during those instances where it was up to me, as the leader, to push the pace. Sure, I doubted my ability to hold the pace after taking an early lead, but fueled by a hunger for a WPIAL title, I willed myself to take control of the race up to the finish line and put some significant distance between myself and the runner-up.

States. Considering I didn’t win this one, it might come as a surprise to hear it. I got 2nd, which absolutely stung, but I went into the race hoping for a top 10 finish. I wasn’t expected to get 2nd and a twitter race commentator made it apparent when I came through the first mile in a pack of 4. He provided names for the others, but for me, I was referred to as “…and someone else we can’t see.” I gave it my all and drastically improved my course PR from the year before. To top it all off, my coach said that performance was the best race he’s ever seen me run.

How do you deal with injuries?
From chronic shin splints to stress fractures in both feet to inflammation in my heel, has eaten up a bit of my quality on-land running time. Personally, I’m grateful to have access to a pool so that I can aqua jog, eliminate the impact, and maintain my fitness as best I can. Other times, I’ve relied on biking. Mentally, being injured takes a toll, so I try to stay optimistic, lean into off-land training time, and trust in my coaches.

Do you have a former WPIAL athlete that you looked up to ?
Absolutely. It’s a bit of an  obvious answer, but I have to say my former teammate, Melissa Riggins. (who’s currently killing it at Georgetown)! Although our high school track careers only overlapped one year, her work ethic, lofty goal-setting, and undeniable talent inspired me from day 1. I also really admire Natalie McLean’s grit, courage, and respect for her peers.

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