Sophomore Anna Chasse of the John Stark Regional High School track and field team broke three school records in the span of nine days between April 17 and April 26.

First, she broke the 800-meter mark in 2:30.26, and two days later she doubled the distance to 1,600 meters and ran a 5:29.30. In doing so, she broke two records that had stood for more than 20 years. Last, at one of the biggest meets of the season, the Black Bear Invitational, Chasse beat the 3,200-meter record by over more than seconds in the pouring rain in 12:04.35.

“Anna is the consummate runner and has now cemented herself as the fastest distance runner in John Stark Generals history. She works hard, never skimps on workouts and has a clear focus before each race,” coach Joel Kress said.

“She actually runs like a human metronome, clicking off even splits even in the drudgery of the middle of the race. It will be fun to see how much lower she can push her own records.”

 

Q: What kind of music helps you lock in for a big event?

A: Before a race, I always listen to Tom Petty, particularly his song “I Won’t Back Down.” I am then able to sing the lyrics in my head when I am running to stay motivated, if I am getting tired. I started doing this this year during cross country when I got the John Stark school record for our home course. It’s become more of a tradition since.

 

Q: What’s your favorite part about the track and field team at John Stark?

A: I love how supportive everybody is on the team in practice and at meets. Everyone is always there cheering each other on, no matter how close in friendship they are, and I think that’s a really important thing for a team to be able to do. Along with that, everyone congratulates each other and notices their achievements, and it’s really uplifting to see and be a part of that.

 

Q: Who are some of your mentors, and how have they helped you?

A: My year-round coach, Joel Kress, is one of my biggest mentors. He’s always supporting me and helping me improve every day with racing strategies and a good training regimen. He’s also always there to get me out of my head when I feel doubtful or anxious about upcoming races, which helps me a lot to stay focused on my goals. His encouragement has motivated me to accomplish my goals and break records, and he’s always there afterwards to congratulate me and help me improve more from there. I don’t think I would’ve gotten so far in running or sports without him as my coach, and I am very thankful for him.

 

Q: What other sports have you played, and what’s your favorite?

I do cross country (and) indoor track and field, as well as outdoor track and field. I definitely like cross country the most because I enjoy longer distance races (5Ks, etc.) rather than the shorter distances that you find in track and field.

 

Q: What motivates you to work on your craft and to become a better runner?

A: There are so many incredible runners that I compete against, and that motivates me to get better and train harder. It is great to see people, including my teammates, get so many achievements in sports around me, and that inspires me to do the same.

 

Q: How did you approach your PR and school record-breaking week? What felt different, if anything?

A: I had set my goals of getting new PRs and breaking records months before I had the opportunity to do it. I was focused and trained hard, and went into those races with high standards for myself. It helped me push myself harder than I thought I could and break the records.

My coaches helped motivate me and provided me with the training I needed to get stronger and faster, and I am thankful for that. The races in which I broke the records didn’t feel much different than ordinary races beforehand. I did have more nerves, but they just went straight to adrenaline like they do every race.

 

Q: Did you know you were close to beating the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 records for the Generals?

A: In terms of the 800, I knew I was close to the record because my times in the 4x800 relay in indoor track were close to it. In the 3,200, however, I had no idea what time I could get because I had never run that race before, so it was more of a hope-for-the-best kind of deal. I hoped to break the 1,600, and it was achievable, but I definitely didn’t think I could break it so early in the season. My coaches had a lot of faith in me and what I could do, which pushed me to run faster and break the records.

 

Q: How did you feel about it afterward, and what’s next for you? What’s your next goal?

A: I felt really accomplished after breaking those records, and it definitely boosted my confidence. I am very thankful for my coach, my family and my team for always supporting me and inspiring me to be the best version of myself I can be.

I am going to continue to shoot for more PRs in those events, the 1,600 especially, and advance in the New Hampshire rankings. Being a part of the John Stark track and field team has been a great experience, and I will continue to take part in the sport.

 

Q: Who are some of your favorite athletes? Why?

A: Tom Brady is one of my favorite athletes because of how inspiring his athletic mentality is. One day during freshman year, I was feeling defeated, not good enough, after I didn’t get the time I wanted in a 1,600-meter race. My father, trying to make me feel better, told me a story about Tom Brady.

There was one game that the Patriots lost as they did not play like they should, and Tom Brady was feeling down for not giving his all. After the game ended, he went to the center of the football field and lay down in front of everyone, fans and all. He told himself that he was never going to let himself feel like that again. He then worked harder and gave his all so that the Patriots had better games and won.

This story inspired me to always push my hardest in every race so that I don’t have to feel discouraged anymore, and I haven’t had a disappointing race in a very long time because of that.