Joslin Blair: Eagle Valley To Vanderbilt

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Joslin Blair's Best Marks 

400 - 59.90

800 - 2:14.44

Mile - 4:53.19

3,200 - 10:45.77

5k - 17:17

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Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing Vanderbilt?

At the beginning of the recruiting process I talked to a lot of different schools to try to figure out what I wanted in a college. Towards the end of the summer before my senior year I had my choices narrowed down to Wake Forest, Princeton, Vanderbilt, and Rice.

After taking my officials at these schools, I ended up choosing Vanderbilt because I felt like I connected really well with the team and coaches. Going into my visits that was one of the most important things I was looking for so I was really excited when I found it at Vanderbilt. I definitely saw it as a place where I could achieve my academic goals as well as my athletic goals!

Q) What do you plan to study at Vanderbilt

I want to go the pre-med route at Vanderbilt so I will probably end up majoring in biology or psychology. 

Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at Vanderbilt?

I could see myself focusing on anything from the 1500m and up at Vanderbilt. I'd be open to anything. I also think it would be fun to try steeplechase at some point! 

Q) You've had success in the 800 on up to the 5k, which event would you say is your favorite, and why?

The 1600m is probably my favorite because I feel like it's the perfect combination of speed and endurance! 

Q) You have the unique perk of training and racing with your sister, Samantha, who is also a stellar distance runner like you. What are your favorite things about having her as a training partner, and competitor on the course?

I've been really lucky to have the opportunity to run with my sister in high school! It's awesome having a built in running buddy and we push each other a lot. It makes it easier to get through tough workouts together. Competing is also great because we push and pull each other throughout races. She's definitely made me a better runner and I'm going to miss her next year!  

Q) The first results we have on you on MileSplit is a 14:05 cross country 2 mile victory at the Glenwood Springs Demon XC Invite in September of 2013 - what do you remember from this competition?

I don't remember much from this race but I remember liking the course and having fun!

Q) What got you interested in running in the first place? 

My family has always been very active. My mom did cross country and track in college and my dad did track. They put us in a lot of sports when we were kids but I always gravitated towards running. My mom started a track club when I was in elementary school and then coached us when we wanted to run in middle school. Going into high school I had to choose between soccer and running and ended up deciding to run.

Q) Could you share any goals you have for your senior year?

Going in to track season I definitely want to PR in my events and hopefully get in the top three at state! I also want to make sure the rest of my senior is fun and memorable! 

Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?

My favorite moment of high school was probably getting 5th in the DMR at New Balance Nationals with Jewel, Avery, and Samantha! None of us had ever run a DMR before and all ended up loving the relay. It was super cool to experience with a team. I also had a lot of fun just spending time with everyone in the days leading up to the race. We did everything from escape rooms to shopping!