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Sports

Athlete of the Week: Distance Runner Alison Lanois

Multiple school record holder in track Alison Lanois will take her talents to Dartmouth College next year.

No matter how much Alison Lanois wanted to be different than her sister, Emily, she couldn’t escape it. And that isn’t a bad thing.

Like Emily, Alison has excelled as one of the top distance runners in the state. And not to be outdone by her sister, who now is a sophomore at Columbia University, the senior has shown she has academic prowess to go along with her athletic talents. She will be freshmen next year at Dartmouth College, where she will see her sister during Ivy League events.

Alison is (she didn’t run indoor track as a senior) by running the fastest times in the 800 meters and mile in the Cape Ann League.

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She has also set school records in the 2 mile (10:52.62) and distance medley relay (12:36.58) this season. That adds to her other outdoor record in 4 x 1 mile relay (21:49.21), and indoor records (4 x 800 relay, 9:51.17; mile, 5:05.23; and 2 mile, 11:23.55).

Alison took time from her running and studies to answer a few questions.

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Hamilton-Wenham Patch: What are you thinking when you are running?

Alison Lanois: (Last) weekend I was really focused on getting school record and the entire time I was focused on my time. It depends on the race – if I am trying to place then I focus on my competitors. If my goal is personal (best) I then focus on what I need to achieve. I always have good support from coaches and teammates, and that helps me stay positive.

HWP: How does it feel to win? Do you remember your first win?
AL: I do remember the first time I won. I was a seventh grader and it was the first event I ran. I had never run cross country and I was always anti-running, because my sister ran. She said I should run to train for lacrosse. I ran the mile, in the first meet I ran, and won. It kinda got me hooked. I felt an accomplishment for the time I put in. When I accomplish a goal it justifies all the hard work I put in.

HWP: Who is your favorite athlete and why?

AL: I’d have to say it is Ryan Hall, the marathoner for the U.S. I admire him because he is very successful in what he does. And he’s a Christian and he is always (vocal) about his beliefs. I am also a Christian so can relate to what he says.

HWP: If you weren’t a distance runner what sport would you do?

AL: It would have to be lacrosse and field hockey - those are two sports I did through middle school. I appreciate the team aspect. I didn’t think it would cross over into running, but the team is important in cross country. It’s team support all these years that keeps me in running.

HWP: What is your favorite thing to do with your friends?

AL: I like going to beach in summer or skiing in winter. I have always done that with family and friends.

HWP: What three things would you want with you if you were on a deserted island?

AL: My iPod, a good book, and crackers and hummus.

HWP: What is your favorite restaurant and what do you usually get?

AL: Not Your Average Joes. Caribbean chicken tenders (appetizer).

HWP: What type of music do you listen to?

AL: All types of music, but my favorite is Phoenix.

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