Boston College Athletics
Q & A Session With Hope Krause
April 08, 2011 | Women's Track & Field
April 8, 2011
After playing other sports most of her life, senior Hope Krause walked on to the 2010 Boston College women's cross country team. In her first-ever XC season, Krause was instrumental in helping the Eagles return to the national championship. Along the way, she became an All-Northeast Region member and a USTFCCCA Academic All-American. Below is a little about her story.
When did you first think you could run cross country?
"Over the summer I was working and running for fun like I always had. I grew up playing team sports and ran because I enjoyed it. Last summer, I decided I wanted to run with people to make it more enjoyable. So I joined a group that was training for the East Hampton marathon - even though I wasn't going to train for that race. On August 22, I ran a race and one of the group leaders encouraged me to talk to [Randy Thomas] if I broke 18 minutes in a 5k, which was my goal. I did it and then I emailed Randy, not thinking I had any kind of legitimate lead."
What was his response after you contacted Coach Thomas?
"We talked a fair amount over a period of about three or four days. He really helped me through a bunch of NCAA things that I was clueless on. I had to send in my high school transcripts, submit my SAT scores, get shots for sickle-cell anemia and a whole bunch of other things you probably wouldn't think you have to do, but I did it in five days. Getting cleared was a very daunting task in itself, so I think he was a little surprised that I went through with it all in only five days. After that he invited me to preseason."
What was it like meeting your teammates for the first time?
"I was a little worried about what they would think of a senior walking on and not having competed in the sport before, but that went away because everyone was instantly very welcoming and really nice."
What is the team dynamic like?
"I feel a very strong connection with the whole team. I consider them really good friends. I missed being connected to athletes and people that shared my interest for running. I was hoping that could be a part of my school experience. We have a great sense of community, hang out often and really enjoy each other's company."
What were you feeling the first time you put on the uniform and stepped up to the line?
"Everything was a first for me this year. I went out to the Roy Griak Invitational back in early September, which was the first really big meet that I ever ran in. I had no idea that cross country meets could be a big deal, but there were so many teams, a huge amount of spectators and sponsors all over the place. When we lined up, my stomach was in my throat, but my teammates had shared their experience with me so I tried to pretend like I knew what I was doing."
Does any moment stand out over the others?
"Every single meet and trip I had was pretty awesome for me. Going to nationals was something that I never thought I would do. It was amazing. My family and friends came to watch. I never knew that anything could be such a big deal. To be a part of it stunned me in how different this year was compared to last year. I am so lucky to be on an awesome team and doing something I love - running competitively."
How did being on the team enhance your quality of life?
"My running has improved my ability to have guidance. My coaches have helped me think about things from a more competitive standpoint. I'm just having more fun. I feel there's a purpose to my training. This semester has been tough - because of my teaching - but I have the weekend to be close with my teammates. Despite practicing on a different schedule, the connection remains strong with a group of girls who are incredibly awesome people and great friends. Being able to share the unique experience, compete and make each other better with a group like this makes life better."
What's the best piece of advice you've received before a race?
"Randy is pretty laid back before a race. He doesn't do a whole of coaching immediately before a race. He might say, `Just run,' which at the end of the day is really what it's all about. I know what it feels like to run a good race. Sometimes I think too much, so when we run as team and help each other do well those are the best races I've ever had."
Will you run after college?
"Definitely. I'll be here next season for my sixth year, which I'm really happy about. I ran before joining the team and I'll continue to run after this is over."
What piece of advice would you give someone considering trying out for a team?
"Go for it. If you have the interest in competing in that sport every day, the payoffs are totally worth the commitment you make. I really enjoy being a part of a team and having something to work for and improve upon. I feel really lucky to come in so late in the game. It was a great decision for me and I'm really glad I took a risk."
