Meet Allison Gregg
9/12/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track & Field, Cross Country
How did you begin running distance?
"My parents encouraged me to try track when I was in junior high, and I immediately loved the longer distance races. I didn't run cross country until my sophomore year of high school since I played volleyball instead. My high school coach told me that cross country would make me a stronger track runner, so I decided to give it a try. I ended up loving cross country and really developed my passion for distance running."
What inspired you to come to The University of Alabama?
"On my official visit, I was immediately blown away by the family atmosphere the team had. I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of the Alabama Crimson Tide family. I was very impressed with the coaches and the top-of-the-line facilities. The field pass to the football game also was a huge highlight since I'm a huge football fan."
What is the biggest difference between last year and this year?
"The biggest difference is definitely no longer being the freshman who is experiencing so many new things at one time. As a sophomore, I now have a better understanding of the daily routine. I have a lot more confidence, which I'm trying to translate into my running every day."
Are there any ways you mentor the freshmen who joined the team this year?
"I remember how overwhelming it is to be a freshman, so I try my best to answer all of their questions or offer them advice to help the transition go a little smoother."
What goals do you have for this year?
"My goal is the same as the team's goal and that is to make it to nationals. I want to be able to contribute by racing to the best of my ability and pushing my teammates to be the best they can be as well."
What is your biggest accomplishment on the track or the course you've had thus far in your career?
"My biggest accomplishment would have to be competing in my first 10-kilometer race out at Mt. Sac Relays last year. The longest race I had run in high school was a 3k, so it was quite the jump in distance. The 10k taught me a lot about racing and how to be physically and mentally tough. I was thankful to have Coach (Adam) Tribble and Coach (Dan) Waters coaching me and giving me instruction every lap, and it was also a special race to have my dad there encouraging me. I felt so blessed to have run a time that ranks 10th in Alabama history for the 10k."
Have you ever had an embarrassing or funny moment during a race?
"In high school, I was running the 3,000 meters and the lap counter told me I had two laps left when I knew for a fact I was on my last lap. I remember yelling over at my coach as I was going into the last lap asking him if I really had two laps left. I finished the race and the lap counter told me I still had one lap left. I kindly explained to him that I had run all 7.5 laps, and eventually he realized he had made a mistake."
How many times have you received a funny look when you tell people you are a distance runner and how do you respond?
"I have received so many funny looks when I tell people I am a distance runner, but I have such a passion for distance running and have learned so many valuable life lessons that I have no regrets."
What is a piece of advice you would give young runners?
"Distance running is a challenging sport that is going to have its ups and downs. Remember on your bad days to stay focused and keep working hard, and on your good days to stay humble and determined to push yourself even further."
