Determination to Excel

Recently, we had the opportunity to hear from Sarah Cummings and now we get to read comments from her biggest supporter, her sister, Marisa. The determination to excel is clearly in the family.

Training is not always about winning, but becoming a better athlete, by standards which you set. Marisa shares comments which are her definitions. She made a decision to transition from one sport to another. In order to make a change, you must have an understanding of where you are today, and where you want to be tomorrow.

When did you realize that you had an interest in the sport of running?

I first ran in middle school, but not very high intensity. I ran in addition to my primary sport, which was figure skating. However, after a neighborhood 5-kilometer in which my sister (Sarah) blew away the competition (and shortly after that joined the high school cross-country team), I made the choice to transition out of figure skating. It made sense, because at that point, I wasn’t on track for the Olympics. So, I set my sights on running for my high school team when I entered my freshman year.

Did you gradually develop into the sport over time?

My love for the sport has evolved, but I did a significant pivot from competitive figure skating to competitive running. I fully embraced it as my primary sport at 15, and haven’t looked back since.

At what point did you move from the early stage of running into the ranks of being competitive?

As a freshman, I joined my high school cross country team, so I competed in cross-country and track. For me, running was primarily competitive from the start.

How have you mentally grown with the sport? 

I’m still constantly working on the mental side of the sport! I think the most significant development has been recognizing days where I’m mentally not “there,” whether that’s due to fatigue, lack of interest in the race, or something else—and then figuring out what to do with that information. Having a tough mental day can make any day out running a struggle. Still, perhaps the most significant growth area has been giving myself grace and accepting it if I’m off, either mentally or physically.

What are the challenges that you see being a female athlete?

I’ve been blessed with a great support system and a family and loved ones that have supported my athletic endeavors from a very young age, and to this day. However, being a female athlete has its unique challenges, and I’m anticipating a point in my life where I must make difficult decisions when the time comes to (hopefully) start a family.

Are there any changes you would like to see in the sport?

The recent push for, and enthusiasm around, diversity in the sport has been incredible thus far, and I hope it gains more momentum. The running community is exceptional, and everyone deserves to feel included.

Where does your determination arise to keep you stepping up to the start line?

The determination stems from a desire to be my best self. I think many people can relate to it.

In high school and college, my decision to compete was driven by a desire to help my team win and not let my teammates down. Nowadays, when running is more individual, the drive is more internal.

Do you feel pressure to always be at the top of your game?

I don’t feel any external pressure to be at the top of my game, but I certainly put pressure on myself simply because I have high expectations. I try to be realistic, though—if you aren’t well trained, you can’t expect a PR! As I’ve gotten more experienced in the running, I’ve learned to appreciate that you won’t always be at the top of your game, but there can still be a lot of value in-toeing a starting line.

Has there been a point where you doubted your abilities and thought about stopping?

I’ve never considered stopping running altogether, though I thought I wanted a break from running competitively after college. It turns out I enjoyed the transition into road running and dove right in. I’ve taken a step back from competing at times and from running at a high intensity as well, but I’ve always kept it up (apart from injuries).

If you were not in this sport, what would be the alternative?

That’s a tough one! I like the endurance aspect of running, but I do not enjoy cycling in the least bit and get bored quickly swimming. Probably soccer—as a kid, I played and was talented, but maybe just a touch too aggressive! I also thought I would have been a pretty good field hockey player, but my high school didn’t offer it as an option.

Do you feel the sport is emotional?

Yes, I do think running is very emotional. Especially when you are trail running, there are some compelling emotions that you can experience. I’ve had some good cries out on the trail and felt so emotionally overcome by the experiences in a very positive way. So yes, most running is emotional but in certain instances, setting emotions aside—especially in shorter distance track or road racing—is productive.

Was there an event where you did all the wrong things right?

I attempted a 50-mile race over Labor Day weekend this past year, and it went terribly! Going into the race, I was incredibly nervous, and I hadn’t checked the weather. It was in the high 90s (apparently, the typical weather that time of year). A few days before the race, I got a massage from a new place, and it was far too aggressive for a few days pre-race and left me with a very sore calf. During the race, I made many fueling and hydration mistakes and dropped out at the 50k mark (31 miles) . There were many lessons to be learned from that one.

How do you adjust your training to make up for mistakes?

Running is tricky because mistakes can often lead to injuries or unsavory outcomes. So, incorporating feedback from mistakes can take quite some time. However, I have learned a lot about myself over the last 15 years that I’ve been running. I try to be very in tune with my energy reserves, and take a step back when I’m not in a critical training block or need the rest, rather than continue to push it.

What value do you see in having a coach or mentor in the sport?

I’ve had a couple of coaches, but my true coach is my sister, Sarah! I’ve found it incredibly helpful to have a coach because it’s often hard to see the picture as a runner. It’s easy to be hard on yourself when you’re actually doing rather well in the grand scheme of things. Most runners can sympathize as well, but it’s not always easy to listen to your body signals and heed them! So, a coach can be invaluable in that regard. Sarah also has tremendous insight into a diversity of race experiences, and I have so much I can learn from her. Also, it’s helpful to have a mentor or coach so that you don’t have to repeat mistakes other people have made! There’s no need to figure out this sport all on your own.

What is it that you enjoy about training runs?

The meditative aspect for sure. I’ve gone back and forth between listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks; or just being with my thoughts, but either way, it is a grounding experience that clears the mind. It’s the best way to start the day or clear your mind at the end.

Who is your biggest supporter that you value their input?

That’s a tough one because I’d love to name so many people! However, I’ll credit my mom—not only for her support personally but also for supporting my dad, and my sister! My mom is not a runner due to knee issues, but she is out there for every race for the three of us and is a champion supporter. One of the most resonant things my mom has continued to tell me through all my years of competitive sports is that “being nervous is good! It’s ok.” My mom always reminds me that nerves mean my body knows the event is essential and that I should embrace the nerves, feel the fear, and do it anyways.

What is the running philosophy of Marisa Cummings?

Running will always be there for you. Please take what you need from it at this moment in your life, and be grateful.

Is there anything you wish for the reader to know about Sarah?

Sarah is an incredible competitor, which I think is pretty apparent. But she’s also an incredibly generous person with her time, energy, and heart. She has an incredible influence on so many people she touches and gives much of herself through her coaching and friendships.