Full Name: Peyton Macejewski
High school: Mount Ida High School
When did you first start running, and do you recall any of your childhood races? I first started running in the sixth grade with my mom. I got a decent mile time, and people started telling me to run track for the high school. I remember my first district meet when I won the 800m by the skin of my teeth and I almost cried, and the girl that I beat was shocked at how young I was. I also remember when I won the district cross country meet in junior high, and I was really proud of myself because I had beaten all but three of the boys as well.
Was there a certain moment when you realized you would be able to compete at a high level? I remember my cross country coach talking to me after my tenth grade cross country season about running in college, so I guess that's when my desire to compete at a high level became real. Also, after getting second place in the mile at my first state meet by less than a second, I knew that I never wanted to get second at a state meet again
What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season? The major bump is that my school does not have a track and we have very few resources since we are only 1A. I also only have one teammate that trains with me year round, and both of my coaches are also basketball coaches. This means that I have to be very self-motivated and dedicated. I do a lot of research and training on my own. I've also had to balance playing softball and running track at the same time for the past few years. Also, I am currently recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery, so I am unable to do any training right now.
If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, and why? If I had to pick, I would choose track. Track is more of a team sport in my opinion, and it has a lot more variety.
How is the college recruiting process going, and what schools are you looking at? The recruiting process is going well. I've sent a lot of emails and met a few coaches, but I'm trying to keep my options open. I'm currently looking at John Brown University, Ouachita Baptist University, and the University of Arkansas.
Where are you going to college? If you have already committed, what made you choose them? I don't know where I am going yet. Obviously it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to go to the U of A, but my main goal is to do whatever God has planned for me. I'm drawn to the competitive atmosphere and the resources at the U of a, and I'm drawn to the locations and environments at the other two schools that I'm considering.
Is there another track event you wish you were good at? What is appealing about it? I would love to have a really good 4x400m team. I started running it consistently this year and it always ends up being my favorite race of the meet. However, I'm always tired by the time we get to the 4x400m because I run three events before that, so I know I could go faster if I had more energy. It's a super exciting, fast-paced race.
What are some hobbies and interests you have outside of running? I do a lot of writing. I write in journals and I write a lot of simple Christian devotions. I'm also working to achieve the Congressional Award. I have played softball since the ninth grade, and I've been in 4-H for a long time. I also like to photography and making scrapbooks. I make a lot of cards for people in the nursing home, and I also mainly make home made cards for special occasions instead of buying them. My favorite thing to do is to spend time with the people that I love.
Who is your role model, and why? My role models would have to be both of my parents. They are incredibly strong, selfless, and loving. My dad always gives me the inspiration to be the greatest champion I can be, and my mom is always there for me. I want to be that person to everyone just like they are to me.
Everyone has a bucket list, so give us some of the things on your list! I have always wanted to go to London. Also, I want to go to the Track and Field World Championships next summer. Another bucket-list item is to run where Rocky Balboa ran in the Rocky movies (while listening to "Gonna Fly Now", of course). I also want to write a devotional book.
What is the best advice you have received? That is a very tough question. I have a few answers. One thing that I have to tell myself a lot is "let God be God." I tend to worry and try to control things, but I know that my life is better off in His hands. Another great piece of advice is something that my dad has started saying to me lately: "don't be afraid to be great." And last but not least, "don't think, just run." My cross country coach told me that very early on in my career, and it has kind of been my goal for my track mindset ever since then.
What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.? This is easy. Spaghetti. I love, love, LOVE to eat my dad's spaghetti the night before a race.
What is your go to pre-race music? "Gonna Fly Now" is my pump-up jam.
If you could do a sport other than XC/Track, what sport would it be, and why? I would choose softball. I love my team and it's a very interesting game. It's not as physically and mentally challenging to me as running is for me, which is a nice break every once in a while. It's just a lot of fun.
