Kamryn McIntosh is coming off of a stellar indoor season. So far, the sophomore from Suffern, NJ has shattered the 600m national record in 1:28.87 and recorded a victory in the 400m (54.57) after helping her team win the distance medley relay (11:53.57) and take second in the sprint medley relay (3:54.48) at New Balance Nationals Indoor. We took some time to chat with Kamryn about her life on and off the track.

On the Track

When did you start running?

I started running in seventh grade. The high school coach called the nurse and said he wanted me to try out for the high school team. So I went for it and he announced that I made it.

What was it like to run with high schoolers as a seventh grader?

Starting young was definitely a challenge. I wasn’t sure how the team would accept me coming up, but they were definitely very welcoming and I had Rachel Ludwikowski (who ran on the DMR) and Caren Abrow coming up with me.

Mary Hennelly is on your DMR team and is a seventh grader. What is it like for you to train and compete with her?

I want Marie and the other seventh graders who are now coming up to know that I was there and that I know what they’re going through. I want to help them throughout their first year and hopefully they’ll do the same thing for people coming up in the future.

What is the overall team dynamic at Suffern like?

We all look out for each other. When one is down at practice we pick them up and get them through it. After the SMR I was tired and still had the 400 and we we’re taking off each other’s shoes. We’re always there for each other track wise.

Besides being a great athlete, what other roles have you taken on for your team?

Most of the time I’m the most confident out of the group. Usually when I’m relaxed and confident, my team is, too. So I try to be confident for them.

You’ve won major races in the 400m, 600m, 800m, SMR and DMR this season. Which is your favorite event?

I could say the 600 is my favorite now, but during the spring I start liking the 400 or the 800 more.

Is there an event you haven’t tried yet, but would like to?

Hopefully in the spring I’ll be able to try the 400 hurdles.

What races are you looking forward to running during the outdoor season?

We might run the DMR at Penn Relays. After winning a national title on Friday, I think we have a good chance to win.

What is your biggest goal for the outdoor season?

A goal for the 400 is definitely trying to run 53 seconds and hopefully winning nationals. For the 800, I’m going to try for 2:05. 

Do you think you can lower your 600m indoor national record?

Hopefully next year I can lower the record. That’s my goal.

What are some of your other long run, high school goals?

I have two more years, so by the end of my senior year I just want to get my times as low as I can so I can go to a really good college.

What is the secret to running fast?

Confidence.

Off The Track

What other sports do you like to play?

Volleyball. I don’t play now, but I’ve played in gym class and at my cross-country camp my team won the camp tournament. 

Favorite TV show?

I happen to like Full House. I watched it a lot when I was a kid in the morning before school.

Favorite Movie?

Blindside. I like movies that have a good meaning and storyline.

What kind of music are you into?

Some people may not see me as it, but I’m 100 percent country… Well, not 100 percent, I like any kind of music. I can go from country to hip-hop or rap.

Do you play any instruments?

I play the classical violin. I started playing in fourth grade.

Who’s your favorite classical artist?

Mozart. I like all of his music.

If you and LeBron James ran a 100m race, who would win?

Him. He’s got the speed.

Would you take a free trip to the moon?

Depends on who I have with me. If I have someone who’s done it before and is experienced and everything checks out, I would consider it, since it’s once and a lifetime opportunity… I think I would go.

What city would you like to travel to?

I think I might want to go to London.