Running Talk with Chelsea Ley

This week’s Q&A is with Kingsway High School sophomore Chelsea Ley, who has been untouchable in her three major-meet wins this season. Ley began the year by winning the sophomore race at the Cherokee Challenge as she covered the 3,200-meter layout in a course record of 10:55 (fastest time of the meet by 22 seconds). Then at the Shore Coaches Invitational at Holmdel Park, she turned in an extremely impressive 18:24 (third-fastest ever run at Shore Coaches and No. 16 on Holmdel’s all-time list) to win the Varsity B race. And most recently, Ley won the Division 2 race at the South Jersey Open at Delsea in 17:51 (fastest time of the meet by 53 seconds). Ley’s next race will be the Gloucester County Championships on Friday at Gloucester County College.

What was your summer training like and how important was it for you?
My summer practices were really important for me. It was during the summer that I was able to get my base in and improve my strength. (Kingsway coach) Mr. (Christian) Lynch is big on miles. We also did a lot of tempos. My highest mileage week was 75 was when I was at the RunningWorks Camp. My lowest was around 60.  

What would you say is the biggest difference for you between this cross country season and last cross country season?
As a frosh, I really didn’t know how to race on the high school level. I think this year I have a better clue and that helps me better prepare for races. I would also say I’m a lot stronger this year. I try to do at least some type of lifting every other day. I can really feel it over the last mile of races.

Who do you train with during the week?
I work out with the boys’ team every day. I think running with them helps me out a lot. It always helps to have someone there pushing you on both training runs and workouts. Having someone else right beside me makes me work harder.

How many miles are you currently doing?
I’ve been putting in 45-55. Last week I think I did 48. We’ve definitely been throwing in some more speed work lately. About three days a week we do some sort of workout.

Has any of your success this season come as a surprise?
I was really surprised at Shore Coaches. I knew there was going to be good competition there. I thought I would maybe get second. I was totally shocked when I went through the line because last year I was only running 19:25 and I was able to get down to 18:24. I never thought I was going to run that time at that race.

What accomplishment in your running career are you most proud of?
Something that was really neat for me was when I got second in the 5,000 at indoor nationals and set the national freshman record (by running 17:41.90). That’s where I kind of broke out. No one really knew me before that.

Obviously 18:24 is a great time on Holmdel – the third-fastest ever run at Shore Coaches and No. 16 on Holmdel’s all-time list. Has what you did in that race really set in yet?
I’ve kind of thought about it, but not really. People have told me the significance of the time, but I usually just say, ‘Wow, that’s cool.’” I’m happy that I ran that kind of time, but I’m determined to run faster. The way I am is to always set my standards high.

What are your goals for the end of the season?
At Holmdel, I want to try and get in the 17s. I would love to run something like 17:50. I would also love to win the Meet of Champs. I know I will have to train hard for that to happen, but it is something I’m going to try for.

What are your plans for the Footlocker Northeast Regional Championships?
That is a race that I will be gearing up for. I’m definitely going to go there trying to get a top-10 spot. I’m going to keep my mileage up for a little longer than usual so I can be ready for that race.

How are you right before races?
I get really nervous; that’s just how I am. One thing I usually do is stay alone. I try to stay calm and not think too much about the race. I hate getting to the line too early. I like getting there right on time so I can get my spikes on and go.

If you could go out on a long Sunday run with any other high school runner in South Jersey, who would it be?
I would go out with (Williamstown junior) Maria Ruiz. She’s a really nice person and has showed a lot of improvement. She has been working really hard this season. I think if we went out for an hour run that we would have a lot to talk about.

What’s your favorite workout?
I would say doing repeat miles. I benefit from them the most. With me, the longer the distance, the better for me. I like doing longer workouts than short, fast stuff.

What individuals have had the most influence on your running career?
My mom (Joanne), grandmom (Kathy) and Coach Lynch. My mom is at every race and is always supportive. I always give her a hug and a kiss before I go on the line. My grandmom is always following what I do. She always calls me at like 7 in the morning the day after races to congratulate me if I got my name or picture in the paper. Coach Lynch is the one who has gotten me this far. He’s the one who trains me and gives me advice.

-As told to Kevin Cranston