Lily Johnson – Junior – Environmental Biology
Throughout your cross-country career, who has influenced you the most?
LJ: My dad was a big influence because I ran a marathon with him, so it kind of got me into running. Kyle Gibson was a big influence, especially in the beginning. Brian Taylor, the graduate assistant coach my first year, was the most supportive person I have ever met in my life. He never gave up on me, no matter what. David Granato does an incredible job motivating me and individualizing training, showing me that I can do this and I can achieve great things. The combination of all of them has really helped me be able to perform at my best.
What has been your most exciting moment in your career at Washburn?
LJ: My most exciting moment was my first indoor track meet. My PR for the mile coming into the meet was 5:36 but my coach at the time, Kyle Gibson, entered me in at a 5:18. I went out there and it was the best race of my life. I ended up running a 20 second PR and I felt great the whole time. It was like I always had more to give and I never got tired. Coach Gibson was screaming for me and I felt so supported the whole time. It really showed me to trust in my training and believe in myself.
What do you plan on doing with your degree?
LJ: I recently changed to environmental biology. When I graduate, I want to work as a park ranger somewhere, probably a national park. Further along in my career, I’d like to be a conservation officer. It was always a huge interest of mine growing up. You couldn’t keep me inside. I wanted to be outside in nature all the time.
What’s your favorite national park you’ve been to so far?
LJ: One of the coolest ones was when my family took a trip to the Redwood National Park. It was incredible. It was like a whole different world out there. It makes you realize how small you are and how small your problems are. It really put everything into perspective for me.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
LJ: I’m torn between the Amazon Rainforest or the Himalayas. If I went to the Amazon, I’d want to go because my grandparents went ages ago and it just looks so cool. I just want to tour where they went and I want to see it before it’s all gone. If I went to the Himalayas, I feel like they have a lot of cool rocks there and I’m super into rocks. I also love climbing so even if I don’t climb Mount Everest, it’d be cool to experience a whole different culture.
What are some of your interests or hobbies that most people don’t know about you?
LJ: I really like woodworking. That was probably one of my favorite classes that I took in high school. I love building things. I also like woodburning things, just for fun. I think it’s kind of relaxing. I’ve built shelves and an intricate clock that I made that I have back home.
What’s your favorite quote?
LJ: My favorite poem is “Do not go gentle into that good night” by Dylan Thomas. Before every race, I’ll write “do not go gentle” on my wrist, so when I’m running, I’ll look down at it and know I can push a little harder, I can fight a little more.
Anything else you’d like to add?
LJ: I’m really hungry for competition. I can’t wait to compete again. I hope everyone else is staying just as motivated and as driven as I am. Just know that the time will come. We will get to compete again, so we have to be ready for it!
