Thomas Jefferson’s Macie Shifferd maintains discipline in cross country training

By Don Lowe

When it comes to going the distance in cross country and track, Thomas Jefferson

Independent Day School Lady Cavaliers junior Macie

Shifferd has a great deal of determination, dedication and desire.

“I enjoy the training for distance events and that you can have longer, easy runs and hard speed workouts,” Shifferd says. “I also enjoy the race strategy and learning how to pace yourself.”

As she considers what has led to her success in these sports, Shifferd says, “One thing I think has really helped in distance events is training for a half marathon. I learned how my body responds to training and what training suits me best.

“I’ve found that doing about two speed type days, three recovery days and a long run every week has helped me become faster. I also learned higher mileage and just running more during the week helped me gain endurance and helped races feel shorter.”

Shifferd admits distance events have their demands, and she says, “One of the biggest difficulties in running is consistency and ignoring motivation for discipline.

“I really struggle with waking up early in the morning to run and especially in the summer when it is hot during the day or just not wanting to run. But I’ve learned to just do it even when I’m not as motivated.” Also, she says, “Since learning that higher mileage works better for my training, I’ve spent a lot of time outside of practice training to help reach my goals.”

Thomas Jefferson Cross Country and Track Head Coach Clayton Carnahan has

Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Cross Country Star

Macie Shifferd

Age: 16

Grade in School: 11th

Parents: Mike and Molly Shifferd

Siblings: Morgan and Max Shifferd

Hometown: Joplin, Missouri

Favorite Subject in School: Math

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Collegiate Runner: North Carolina State University track star Katelyn Tuohy and four-time individual NCAA Division 1 champion

Favorite Track Sports Movie:

Kipchoge: The Last Milestone seen Shifferd make impressive strides forward and he says, “Macie showed incredible improvement last season as she pushed her boundaries and expected more of herself than she ever has.

Accolades: Qualified for state in cross country and qualified for state in the 4 x 800-meter relay as a freshman. Qualified for state in the 3,200-meter run last year.

“She works extremely hard and continues to strive toward personal goals that will bring her success. I look forward to Macie’s success in cross country this season due to her hard work, and I expect thoughtful growth in track, as well.

“Macie is naturally athletic and loves sports of any kind. She’s constantly thinking about self-improvement and readjusting her strategy for growth. She is strong-willed and clear-eyed in her approach to personal growth.

“Macie learns equally from successes and failures. She can run forever. She gives every race everything she has.”

Currently, Shifferd isn’t planning to continue her career competitively at the collegiate level, but she says, “I would love to get more into marathons and stay consistent with that.”

Regardless of where her future in running leads, Coach Carnahan couldn’t be more thrilled to have Shifferd on his Lady Cavaliers team. “I’m very proud of Macie for all she learned and how much she has given in the last year.

“She’s been an amazing teammate while constantly aiming at the best for herself and simultaneously encouraging others to do their best, as well.”