From the five-kilometer cross country race to the two-mile track event, senior Hannah Petersen thrives in the longest distances her sport has to offer. While physically demanding, those challenges are exactly what keep her passionate about running.
Petersen began running competitively with the Waltham Track Club in middle school and joined the high school’s cross country and outdoor track and field teams her freshman year. Last fall, she was almost unanimously voted captain of the cross country team. This past cross country season, Petersen committed to run Division III cross country and track and field at Connecticut College.
As a top Nordic skier for the high school’s team, Petersen said choosing between running and skiing was difficult, but an overnight visit with the Connecticut College running team helped her with the decision.
“I’ve loved running through high school so much, and it was definitely a very hard decision,” Petersen said. “I really loved the girls, they were all super nice.”
According to Petersen, track and cross country demand perseverance and grit, but also foster a strong community. She said the supportive environment and ability to track her own progress are what she enjoys most about the sport.
“It’s just such a nice group of people that you get in the running world,” Petersen said. “I’ve loved seeing my progress over the years, but I think the competitive aspects I’ve also really enjoyed.”
Michael DeYoung, the head coach of girls cross country and distance coach of track and field, has worked with Petersen since her freshman year. DeYoung said he has seen Petersen grow into her confidence over time.
“Confidence is a big part of running long distance because there’s a lot of time to think. Once she grew into her confidence, she could compete at a higher and higher level,” DeYoung said.
Senior Alaina Bodine met Petersen her freshman year during cross country. According to Bodine, Petersen pushes herself to her limits while remaining supportive of her teammates. When the cross country team set their goal of qualifying for states, Bodine said Petersen guided the team with a positive attitude.
“[Petersen] took that on as a runner and as a teammate and pushed her hardest in that race to get us there. Instead of letting the fear of doing badly stop her from succeeding, she allowed it to push her to be a really good runner,” Bodine said.
According to Bodine, Petersen’s persistence and positive attitude have played a major role in her success as both a runner and a leader. Bodine said Petersen is excited to continue her running career.
“I think she was really relieved that she gets to go to this amazing place and get to do what she wants to do,” Bodine said. “That was really exciting.”
