Helia Liu is a sophomore cross country runner for the Penn girls cross country team. She’s a motivated runner and excited for the season.
What made you interested in cross country?
After a long track season from December to April, of running miles every week, when it had ended I felt like I wanted to keep my body moving. So I started showing up to conditioning and I really enjoyed it, so eventually I started doing the sport.
What kept you motivated in your sport when it got hard?
Something that kept me motivated in my sport was thinking about how it would feel to win, so I kept pushing myself everyday to do better.
Outside of cross country what are some activities you enjoy doing?
I really enjoy cheering and tumbling, I’m a self taught tumbler, and I love basketball season cheer.
How is the sports community you’re a part of good for you?
Specifically the cross country team’s environment has helped me improve in so many ways, physically and mentally. The group of people I run with everyday are the most supportive and encouraging people ever.
In the future if you plan on having kids would you want them to be involved in a sport or something at school? If not, Why?
100%. When I have kids I want them to be put into any athletic activity at a young age, so they’re able to grow up into a sport and be really good when they’re older.
Outside of athletics what else are involved in and how do you like it?
I’m involved in multiple clubs here at Penn, including DECCA, Key club, Girl up, and even my own club I have started, HealthyHands, HealthyHearts.
What are you looking forward to as you continue in your athletic career?
As a cheerleader, I hope I am able to make the seasons I try out for. As for my cross country career, I hope that I am just able to stay safe while running!
How has being involved in things around impacted you?
Being involved in activities at our school has impacted me profoundly. I have met many new friends through clubs and sports.
What is a piece of advice you’d give to future runners?
A piece of advice I would give to future runners, is to mentally prepare yourself before anything else. Mentality is a big part of the sport and you need to have a strong mentality going into it.
When you have an important race coming up how do you prepare yourself?
I prepare myself by letting loose. I eat well, and I just rest completely the day before a race.
