Schools

SSHS Athlete of the Week: Lauren McDonough

Winter track star shines in races as well as in the classroom.

sophomore Lauren McDonough conducts her own version of two-a-days during the winter track season with one goal in mind: breaking five minutes in the 1,500 meter race.

McDonough is currently ranked second in Conference IV in the 3,000 and 1,500 meter races, and also finished second in the 1,500m during the Conference IV championship a few days ago. For McDonough, however, first place is what she strives for.

"I just have to train harder," McDonough said, who currently runs the 1,500m in 5:10. "I have to be more consistent with my workouts."

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Her workouts are more like a football team's version of two-a-days. McDonough trains with her Cyclones team after school from 3-4:30 p.m., then heads to a workout with her personal trainer from 6-7:30 p.m.

"We work on speed," she said of her personal trainer workouts. "We do interval workouts, treadmill stuff and lift weights."

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McDonough first joined the track team in seventh grade at . She said she always enjoyed running, and points to her parents as one of the driving forces in her success. "They always pushed me," she said. "They want me to be the best I can be."

But McDonough is by no means just a track star. The sophomore currently holds a 94 average, and takes advanced chemistry and math classes. "I take the most advanced classes that I can," she said.

McDonough explained that she's thought about pursuing a career in medicine because she likes the sciences and helping people. But first, McDonough has her sights set on breaking five minutes in the 1,500m race in the upcoming Nassau County championship.

"I think overall, speed and training will get me there," she said. "Whatever you put in, comes out in the races."

 


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