U Sports athlete profile: Getting to know Kristina Popadich

Kristina Popadich is getting dangerously close to the spotlight.

Despite cross-training through a summer of injury, the fourth-year Western business and medical science double major has come into the 2017 cross-country campaign ready to play. Thanks to a spotless record of impressive performances in fall races, she has quietly crept up the rankings as a possible U Sports national favourite.

Finishing runner-up to Branna MacDougall at the Blair Salter International in late September, and again at the OUA (Ontario) Championships, however, Popadich has managed to keep a relatively low profile.

Do not be fooled. The Toronto native hopes to add to her recently impressive finishes at national championships. An All-Canadian in cross-country in 2016, she also claimed fifth-place in the U Sports 3,000m in winter 2017. A confirmed contender, Popadich looks to make the jump this weekend [Nov. 12], and bid her shot at the title.

Alex Cyr: How has your training been over the last few weeks?

Kristina Popadich: Our coach Guy [Schultz] has done an amazing job this year to prepare our team to race 8K. We have gradually increased our overall mileage, both in workouts and on easy days, while tackling some challenging workouts that leave me confident heading into the race this weekend.

AC: You came into the season in great fitness. You won silver at the Blair Salter International [Western Invitational], you took home gold at the [McMaster] Marauder Bayfront Open, and then a silver medal at OUAs. To keep consistency for many weeks is impressive. What do you think is the key to that consistency?

KP: I was surprised with the start of my season because I had come off of a summer of cross training, so I tried not to put too much pressure on myself and just go out there and see what I could do. Since then I have gradually pushed myself each race to set more ambitious goals, and to stay focused on the fact that our most important races are at the end of the season.

AC: Not only have you been consistent over the years, you have also been quickly improving. You went from not racing in Newfoundland and Labrador, to finishing 37th in Guelph, Ont. (2015) to becoming a first team All-Canadian finishing seventh in Quebec City in 2016. What would you attribute this impressive progression to?

KP: I have been extremely committed to our training program since I started running, and continue to become more passionate about the sport each year. It’s a huge part of my life now and every year I learn more about running and what it takes to succeed.

AC: You’re contending for a medal in a year rumoured to have one of the strongest female cohorts in recent history. How do you plan to tackle this race?

KP: I am excited about the opportunity to challenge myself and race against such exceptional athletes. My plan is to go out there feeling confident and ready to give it everything I have.

AC: Finally, are you setting yourself any team goals/individual goals for the weekend?

KP: My goal for our team is to surprise the field, and individually I hope to finish the race knowing I took a chance on myself by pushing myself harder than I thought I could.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaM82_1A_w5/

Getting to know Kristina

PBs: 9:27.57 (3,000m), 16:56.01 (5K XC), 27:22.80 (8K XC).
Social media: @kristinapopadich
Guys do facial hair, do you have a ritual? I’d say my ritual is sharing goals with the rest of the women’s team the night before each one of our races!
XC spikes of choice: New Balance.
Pre-race meal: Bagel with banana and peanut butter.
Professional runner: Emma Coburn.
Pump up song: Young Blood by The Naked and Famous.
Hard with hills, or fast and flat? Hard with hills.
Who are you looking forward to see at the U Sport championship? My family friends who moved to Victoria a few years ago and are coming to watch the race.