Sports

Athlete of the Week: Cochrane Goes the Distance

Central sophomore already holds five school records.

It’s been said that distance runners achieve a natural high like no other.

If that’s true, then Kylene Cochrane has spent this winter in the clouds.

The sophomore, who turns 16-years-old on March 1, set five individual and team school records this winter on her way to an appearance in the state’s Meet of Champions. 

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Cochrane, also a soccer player, has stopped competing in lacrosse to focus on spring track. Long Valley Patch has named Kylene Cochrane Athlete of the Week for her incredible performance this winter.

Long Valley Patch: When did you begin running for competitive purposes?
Kylene Cochrane:
I began running for competitive purposes in 7th grade when I decided to join the cross country team. My whole life I have played soccer and in 7th grade I had tried out for the Middle School soccer team, but did not make it. Although one door closed, another door opened because I was welcomed into the world of running. It was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me because I found this love for running!

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LVP: What are your individual athletic goals for the next two years of high school?
KC:
My individual athletic goals for the next two years of high school is to give everything my all. I know that if I run a race, and cross the finish line with nothing left, I gave it my all, and no place or time can bring me down. It is the times that I look at the clock and feel disappointed that I know that I did not give it everything I got. One of my personal goals is to break a five-minute mile! My best time for the spring is a 5:03 and for winter I got a personal best of 5:05. I am so close, however it all comes down to race day, and mentally if I am willing to push myself and give it my all.

LVP: What's the longest distance you've ever run?
KC:
The longest distance I have ever run was probably around 12 miles. I love doing long, slow distance because it is a time when I can relax and just think about nothing. The best part about long runs is looking at what is happening around you and enjoying the little parts of life we overlook sometimes.

LVP: What do you like to do outside of school/sports?
KC:
Outside of school and sports I love spending time with my family and friends. During the weekend our family sometimes has a movie night, and its nice to spend quality time with them. Hanging out with friends is always a joy as they always make me laugh! We always have a good time! I also love to bike, swim and read.

LVP: What do you like most about competing for West Morris Central?
KC:
What I love most about competing for West Morris Central is the fact that we are a family. I love my coaches and they are always motivating me to do better. They are always supporting me and I have learned so much from Coach Jay Herrigel and Coach Tom Lawrence that I will remember over the years, even when I am older. Through track I have gained experiences and memories that I will remember for a lifetime and take with me forever. The team is not only my classmates, but my family.

Records set by Cochrane this winter include:
Mile: 5:05.30
1000M: 3:06.33
800M: 2:20.77
Sprint Medley: 4.28.84 with Lauren Toth, Hope Forrester, and Meggie LaGueux
Distance Medley: 13:21.94: with Taylor Brown, Lauren Toth and Erin Daly


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