Taylor Webb is a 2013 Shelby County High School graduate. She battled back from injuries to return to racing in April 2013 after one year out. Before her hip injury, she was 5th at the 2011 Kentucky State Cross Country Meet her sophomore year. She will continue her career next year at Bellarmine University.
Personal Bests
1,600 Meter Run 5:42.50
3,200 Meter Run 11:54.89
5,000 Meter Run 19:23.82
What was your most memorable race/event?
Running the state cross country meet for the very first time in seventh grade. I was so nervous and scared in the individual box, but the older runners from my team and from other teams were so encouraging to me and it made my first experience great!
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Myself and every other runner. There were days that I didn't want to go to practice, didn't want to run at all, thought I couldn't finish on pace or finish the set and I just had to push through that. Getting over the mental wall is one of the toughest things to do, but is what makes you better. I also hate to get beat. Whether it's my teammates at practice or other runners in a race, I hate to get beat. This has pushed me to work hard so that I don't get beat, at least not by as many people.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Finishing fifth at the state meet my sophomore year (2010). While I wanted top three, I was very happy with where I placed. I worked all year for that day and it was awesome for it to finally pay off in a way I was happy with.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Nothing. I am where I am today because of all the experiences I've had, and I've learned and grown from them all. Everything happens for a reason, and it is what it is.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
Tearing my labrum in my hip. After running an entire cross country season in pain my junior year, I was misdiagnosed with bursitis in my hip. After taking nine weeks off and going to physical therapy I started running again and was pain free for about two weeks. When I switched doctors I found out the day before track state that I had torn my labrum and would miss my entire senior cross country season. I ran track state the next day knowing that that would be my last race for almost a year. After running in pain for a year I had surgery to repair my labrum in the end of July of my senior year. I missed the entire cross country season but was expected to return for track season. When I was able to start running again I did too much too soon, and strained my hip flexor in the end of January. After taking four weeks off I was training very slowly for track and raced for the first time after 11 months. While it was a disappointing track season and a challenging two years, I am now fully recovered and will be running cross country and track next year for Bellarmine University.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss my team and the traditions we have. I was a member for 7 years and have some amazing memories and have met some awesome people.
I became best friends with some people by just running with them, and will miss them all a ton. I will also miss prying before every race. We all joined hands and said the Lord's prayer before every race, and after that either my sister or I would also pray. It was a tradition that was started long before I was on the team and I hope it remains.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
If you want it bad enough and are willing to work for it, you can do anything. So many people want to be successful but aren't willing to work hard for it. The truly successful ones are those who know what they want and how to get it, and are willing to do what it takes to get there.
What influence has your coaches had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My coaches are responsible for taking my running to the next level. When I was in sixth grade I was running a 30 minute 5k. When I was in seventh I was running a 21 minute 5k. Thanks to my coaches I was constantly challenged and encouraged, and always pushed to work hard. They have all taught me to love to run and compete, and inspired me to coach one day.
What are your plans for college or joining the workforce next year?
I will be running for Bellarmine University in the fall and majoring in elementary education and special education.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
God, all of my coaches (Brian Crumbo, Sloane Barnett, George Cottrell, Todd Shipley, Andrew Danner, Scott Dunn, and Nick Edwards), my parents, sisters, teammates and friends who have all encouraged me throughout the years, and everyone who has pushed me to be a better runner.