By Alexandria Sedlak 

Rachel Picard is a senior on the Fordham track and field team.  She runs mid-distance for track, usually the mile for indoor and the 1500m for outdoor.  She is double majoring in humanitarian studies and sociology.

The Fordham Ram: How did you feel about this season?

Rachel Picard: I was really happy with my own and the team’s performance in the cross country season in the fall. We all worked so hard together and definitely pushed and helped each other during the races. We kept a close pack in most races which was great. The indoor season was tough for me personally as I came back from an injury I got at the end of the XC season, but towards the end of the season, I was happy to be racing again. I was also really excited for our teams who competed in indoor ECACs last week.

TFR: Anything you are looking forward to for the team for the spring season?

RP: I am so excited for the spring season. The entire team is together and it’s such a nice change to be outside after a long winter on the indoor track. I’m excited for the Mets Championships, where everyone is able to compete, and then for A-10s at the end because it’s such an exciting and important meet.

TFR: Even though running is generally a solo sport, would you say the team plays an important role for you?

RP: The team is definitely my favorite part of running at Fordham. I would dread the hard workouts if I didn’t have such a great mid-distance and distance group to work with. So, they play the most important role for me, because they make it easier to push through the really rough days and make it a lot more fun.

TFR: How would you describe your experience on this team over the past few years?

RP: I have loved getting to know my teammates and getting to run with them. As I said before, they’re the most important part of my time running here and have helped me improve as an athlete (and person) so much. There were of course times when sleeping in or having a full break would have been nice, but overall I have loved traveling and competing with my team. It has been my biggest commitment at Fordham, but one I am so grateful for and have really enjoyed.

TFR: What ultimately guided your decision to come to Fordham all those years ago?

RP: I was looking for a different experience from my high school, which was a boarding school in rural New Hampshire. I wanted something different in terms of wanting to be a part of a larger community in college, and I also wanted to experience living in a big city.

TFR: Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently during your running career?

RP: I would probably have taken the possibility of injury more seriously, and done better rehab over the summers. I have struggled with bone injuries, and although some of that is no one’s fault, I do wish I had worked on more prevention and strength over the summer breaks.

TFR: What is your favorite memory from your four years on the team?

RP: My favorite memory is from this year’s XC A-10 meet in the fall. I was worried I was getting another injury, and I found out shortly afterward that I was correct, but it was a great trip. We were so close personally as a team, and we actually ran close together throughout the race. I felt so fortunate to have such a supportive and strong team who could make the stress of A-10s into such a fun time. On the bus, hanging out at the hotel, and preparing for the meet was all a lot so much fun, and definitely one of my favorite races.

TFR: Looking forward, do you see running as a part of your future?  What are your future plans?

RP: I’ll definitely continue to run for as long as I can, but not as competitively as I have in college. I’m hoping to run a marathon with my dad after I take a bit of break from running after graduation. I am hoping (and applying) to spend a few years in service, such as the Peace Corps or Teach for America. Then, I have no idea yet.

TFR: What is one thing you would like to tell your teammates, as well as prospective runners, about how Fordham has shaped you as a person and as an athlete?

RP: I am really grateful to be part of this community and could never have pushed through the challenges of competing over the past four years without them. If you really love to run, to compete, and to be a part of a team, then I think that being on a formal running team could be a really wonderful experience and make you a much better runner. I hope I leave Fordham as a kinder and more aware person than I was when I arrived, and as a stronger athlete.