Athlete Profile: Carleen Jeffers, Ridgewood High

Athlete Profile: Carleen Jeffers, Ridgewood High School Junior.

You may have read about her 2013 1st Team All Bergen County Selection, her 3rd Place in the Bergen County Meet of Champions, 4th in the State Sections and 7th Place in the State Groups. You may not know some other facts about the High Honor Roll Student (4.2 GPA) who plays 5 instruments and travels once a week to play in NYC at the Manhattan School of Music and also earned First Chair honors 2 years in a row for the NJ Regional Orchestra. Carleen is also a champion Martial Artist and has been practicing the Martial Arts for more than 8 years.

Sit back ad enjoy the interview of this very special Student-Athlete-Musician and see how she has achieved such high levels of success and what drives her to be The BEST!

You have had an incredible Cross Country Season. It’s the first time that you decided to run Cross Country, what compelled you to try it? 

I've always had a love for athletics and competition. For some reason I never considered cross country until last June, when I ran in a 5 mile road race with my dad. It was the first time I had ever run distance, and I ended up doing pretty well (under 7 minute miles). Not only was I proud of my time, but I realized that I genuinely enjoyed running in the race and pushing my body to its limits. With this in mind, I decided to give cross country a try, and I'm definitely glad that I did!

What other sports did you compete in at the High School Varsity Level?

I've played varsity softball in High School. I played third base and I caught a bit.

What was your first meet like? Were you nervous? Did you have any idea of what to expect? 

My first meet was the most terrifying experience I have ever had. I was insanely nervous that I would fail to live up to the expectations of my coach, my teammates, and most importantly, myself. I was just hoping to run faster than a 25:00, which would be equivalent to about an 8 minute mile. In that first meet, I ran a 20:01, a time which was good enough to win me first place, and one which I was incredibly happy with (it ended up being my slowest time of the season at that course). After completing my first meet, I really fell in love with the sport of cross country.

There are many track athletes who have worked for years and years trying to achieve what you did in one season. How were you able to accomplish so much in such a short time? 

I believe the key to my success in cross country to be the pure joy I experience in running. I have participated in numerous sports in my past, including softball, basketball, baseball, and even figure skating; however, none of these gave me the incredible feeling I get when running a race. Due to my love for the sport, I have been able not only to work extremely hard at improving my times, but also to genuinely enjoy doing so. If you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life. In addition, I have had the privilege of working with some great coaches who really know how to bring out the best in their athletes, including the Ridgewood High School Cross Country coach, Jacob Brown, as well as my Martial Arts and Kettlebells coach, Master Phil Ross.

What role does your Martial Arts and Kettlebell training play in your success? 

I can't even begin to describe how important both Martial Arts and Kettlebell training have been to me throughout not only this cross country season, but also my life. I began Martial Arts at the age of 7; it taught me the discipline and respect that I feel is crucial to be successful at any physically demanding sport. It has also helped with my athleticism and self confidence. While Martial Arts have been a part of my life for many years, Kettlebell training is new to me. Although I have only been involved in Kettlebell training for a few (5) months, it has already boosted my mental and physical strength immensely. I can feel my body getting stronger every day, and these benefits become tangible when I am able to go up in weight for a certain Kettlebell exercise. Additionally, Kettlebells have increased my pain tolerance, which is crucial when a cross country 5K starts to take its toll on my body. There is absolutely no way I would have come anywhere near the type of season that I've had if it weren't for my Martial Arts and Kettlebell training!

What is your daily/weekly training regiment? 

During the Cross Country season, I kept my weekly mileage up around 50-55. This included some days of long runs (10-12 miles), some days of speed training (4-5 miles), and some days of hills workouts (5-6 miles). I also made sure to take one rest day a week from running; on this day I would do other activities, such as Kettlebells or Martial Arts, and give my legs a rest. Apart from running, I do Kettlebell classes at American Eagle MMA 3-4 times a week, and take Martial Arts classes whenever I can. These include boxing, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes.

What are your goals for Track in High School? College?

As far as my goals for Track in high school, I look forward to a healthy and successful senior year season. I would love to compete at nationals next year among the best in the country. Just to be in the presence of these high level athletes would be a great honor for me. Looking forward to college, I will definitely look to be on a competitive cross country team. This year, running has become a tremendous part of my life, and one that I see myself continuing into college and hopefully beyond.

What does the future hold in store for Carleen Jeffers? 

Who knows! As I am still only a junior in high school, I don't have anything figured out yet. For now, I will just focus on being the best athlete, student, musician, and friend that I can be, and I guess we'll see where that takes me!

Thank you for your time and your responses. Do you have any advice for future athletes in their Quest to be the Best?

Find your "why". Discover your inspiration; determine what pushes you to want to be the best. Once you know why you're dedicating your life to your sport, training every day will not seem to be a chore, but rather simply another step closer to your ultimate goal.

Thank you Master Phil Ross for everything you've done!!!