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In It For The Long Run

Braaten Completes Tenth Season in XC

Josie Braaten, a 2015 graduate of Glasgow High School, has been running competitively since her seventh-grade season as a Scottie. This past weekend, the now-college senior wrapped up her 10th and final season in the sport, running for the Mavericks of Minnesota State University at Mankato.

Braaten represented the Mavericks at the NCAA Regional Meet held in Joplin, Mo., on Nov. 17. She placed 37th overall with a time of 22:37, and was the second runner to cross the finish line for her team.

Her performance results have steadily improved in her time at MSU. In 2017, she placed 53rd at Regionals, in 2016, she finished 77th, and in 2015, she placed 103rd.

Reflecting on her four-year career in Minnesota, Braaten shared a recent highlight: "At this past XC conference race, we weren't seeded very high and ended up finishing third as a team" she recounted. "This was the highest we have placed at XC conference since 2008, which was awesome! Our underclassmen really broke out of their shells and we ran as a pack which is so important. Also, anytime you or someone on the team sets a new PR is amazing. It's the proof you need to show that you are on the right path and gives you the confidence to keep on pushing in every workout and meet."

Braaten also has fond memories of her time as a Scottie athlete. "It was incredible my freshman year, when we had five runners in the top 15 at state," she recalled. "Everybody ran their best race and it was so special to see everyone rise to the occasion and show just what they could do." She also specifically noted how the team bonded just by practicing together every day and knowing that they were in every race as a team.

Braaten is officially done as a collegiate cross country runner, but she will still participate in the indoor and outdoor track seasons for the Mavericks. "I was injured last winter and spring so I can't wait to finally get the chance to improve my 5K time in indoor," she explained. "And I'm even more excited for outdoor when I can work on my 10K because I'm stronger over longer distances."

As a runner, Braaten has always been part of a team, but she may soon began an even more individual journey in the running world. "I would love to get into marathoning after I finish track this spring," she explained. "But I'll give myself a little break first."

Her desire to continue running even after competition shows that for some people, racing ends, but running doesn't.

 

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