Quick Q&A: Emma Benner, Forest Lake cross-country

Benner approached the 2014 season with renewed focus and intensity. Last year she helped her team to an 11th-place finish at the Class 2A cross-country state meet. This year the team's captain led Forest Lake to a first-place finish in the Suburban East Conference meet by winning the individual title with a personal best of 13 minutes, 55 seconds for 4 kilometers.

Q: Have you ever played other sports?

A: I played traveling soccer for 10 years.

Q: You don't play anymore?

A: This past season was my last because I got a knee injury.

Q: How has it been to transition to just running?

A: I like it because I can focus more on running and getting all of the workouts in instead of missing some. I feel like I can focus a lot more and just prepare myself more for every race.

A: It means a lot. You work individually to improve yourself, but you are also working for a team. You get more benefits out of it for yourself, but then there is a reason to work hard. Everyone is working for themselves and as a team at the same time.

Q: What are your goals?

A: I hope to make it to state [the Rangers' section meet was Friday], set more personal records and improve as a team, also. Maybe place in state [on Saturday at St. Olaf College].

Q: How do you mentally prepare for a meet and stay focused while running?

A: Before I run, I think positively about my race. I tell myself it's going to go well. When I'm running I just think, the faster I go the faster I get done. And I keep pushing myself so I don't have any regrets after [the race].