Milesplit Utah Q&A: Aubrey Argyle


After a pair of runner-up finishes in her first two cross country seasons, Davis junior Aubrey Argyle looks to be the girl to beat in the state after defeating Lucy Biles in both the 1600m and 3200m this past spring. We caught up with Aubrey Argyle as she prepares for the upcoming cross country season.

Going back to May, what was it like to dethrone Lucy Biles and grab your first two state tiles? How does that affect your confidence as we enter the fall?

After being 2 seconds away from a state title in cross country, going into the track season winning a state title was definitely one of my goals. I knew that the 3200 was in my reach. For the 1600, my goal was just to get sub 5. So needless to say I was pretty satisfied with the results from the state meet. In the 1600, I knew if I hung onto Lucy I would be able to achieve that sub 5. After that race I became more comfortable with the idea of pulling off another upset and hanging onto her for an altitude PR in the 3200. I thought of Lucy as more of a teammate versus a competitor. She helped me improve my times and kept me motivated since my freshman year. She influenced my running a lot. I wasn't planning on breaking the state record though. So that was a bonus. After ending sophomore year on that note I'm really excited to begin racing again. And I'm ecstatic for this cross country season - individually and with my incredible team.

Now that you have those state titles, how does it feel to be the girl to beat in the state?

Yeah that's a lot of pressure and a lot to take in. After my sophomore cross country season I found that I run better under pressure. I'm up for the challenge & I also have an amazing team and coaches to back me up. I don't necessarily look at myself in that way though. I'm just trying to beat my past times just like everyone else. I've developed friendships with many of the girls I race with and we're all aiming for the same thing. I don't see them as competition but more as teammates. We're all helping one another and we're all really close. It's funny how much you can bond over a 5k, haha.

Since then, how has summer training been going?

Summer training is going really good! First couple weeks of the summer I had to take some time off due to wisdom teeth & a minor injury. From the injury, I started doing more cross/strength training. My coaches and awesome teammates kept me thinking positive and got me excited for this season. I learned to be patient with myself and mentally prepare for what this new year will bring. This point in the summer, my teammates and I have actually been exceeding our marks from last year's summer and we feel ready for this season.

It looks like the Davis team was just at camp - what was that like?

Yes. We have a week long cross country camp where we train and bond in the Uintah's at 10,000 feet. We get some solid miles and workouts under us and discuss our goals for cross country as a team. It's always the highlight of my summer and helps get the entire team excited for the season.

Now an upperclassman, what are your goals for yourself the season and for the course of your final two years in high school?

I have so many goals for these next 2 years. Some XC goals would include getting the state course record, first team at NXR, placing top 10 at NXN, and then lowering my times in other races throughout the season such as BYU autumn classic, and our region meet. Goals track wise would be sub 10:15 3200m, sub 4:54 1600m, and to race again in NY for indoor nationals. There are also meets that I want to qualify for post-season track.

What are your goals in regards to your team this year?

My team has a solid set of goals for this 2015 season. We have the goal of sweeping state (grabbing a boys and girls state title), taking first at NXR to qualify for NXN, and making podium at nationals. We're also working on staying positive through injuries and closing the gap. This season is going to be so exciting.

With two years under your belt now, what have you learned during those two years?

After 2 years of high school running, I have learned so many things. I've learned more about what type of runner I am and the race strategies that work best for me. I've learned more about teamwork and listening from my incredible coaches and teammates. I've also learned that quality miles are better than quantity miles. Even after 2 years, I still have a lot to learn.

What has been your favorite memory through that time?

My favorite memory has definitely been going to Nike cross nationals my freshman year and placing 3rd with my team. That weekend was such a game changer for me and it really motivated me over the next year to make it back with the team. I've had other races where I raced well but freshman year at nationals was my favorite. It showed me a small glimpse of what was in store for the next 4 years.

Your team has a tradition of being great - in your own words, what makes Davis a national power?

What makes Davis a national power is definitely the coaches, and the athletes dedication & hard work. Coach Talley, Anderson, and Timothy help keep the team focused on the end goal and to stay motivated. This year at a kick-off camp they said "make out with running" - meaning that you need to develop a passionate relationship with it. "Don't just flirt with it. Put everything into it." So we all laugh about that. Also on the team we have a "pipeline" of runners ready to fill the varsity positions. We have so many incredible runners who are willing to work hard and literally run the extra mile just for that varsity position.