Toros Talk Presents . . . Cross Country's Kristin Glen
A Q&A feature that spotlights CSUDH student-athletes
October 4, 2005

How has your first year in college been thus far? Is it what you expected?

So far, my first year has been what I thought it would be, tough competition, especially in the invites with UCLA and USC, but it’s been fun and I’ve made some good friends. Just thought I’d have my times a little bit lower so I’ve got to work a little bit harder for that.

As the only freshman on a revamped cross-country team, Kristin Glen has posted the fastest times in the Toros’ first four races of the season. She first began running distance races in high school, and now uses the time spent in races thinking about her family’s support.

What do you think about when you run? Is running sort of an escape?

To call running an escape depends on the mood I’m in, I guess. If I have something that’s bothering me or something I have to think about, then it’s an escape in a way that I get to get away from everyone and think about it. But during races I actually think about the people around me to take my mind off of being tired, or I think about my parents and grandma and just making them proud. My grandma, who always believed in me, is sick and dying of cancer so I try my best and think and run for her now.

Have you always been a runner?

I’ve actually run since 4th grade but I ran sprints and not distance. I ran in YMCA track, and then club track, and I always ran the 100, 200, 400 and 4x4. But once high school started the coaches had me run cross country to stay in shape, and after doing so well they slowly made me run farther and farther in track, first 800, 1600 then 3200. And now I’m a distance runner.

Does running run in your family?

Just me and my sister.

If you weren’t a distance runner, what sport would you competing in?

Probably basketball. I loved playing basketball and my dad played when he was younger and throughout high school. I know I was always one of the shortest players in high school on the team but I thought, look at Earl Boykins, if he can do it I can do it, too!

It must be nice having your dad taking pictures at every meet. What has been his influence?

I consider my dad my #1 fan and I’m very thankful. If he wasn’t so into me running, I might have even stopped running by now. He makes me feel more confident about myself, especially when things aren’t looking good. And it feels good to hear him and my mom speak so proudly of me so I always try to do my best, especially to hear more of that.

Do you and your twin sister Kira ever try to fool people?

Not really anymore, but we did when we were younger. My sister and I actually switched classes in elementary school, but it wasn’t fun for me because her teacher actually knew it was me ahead of time. And then my teacher found out when Kira couldn’t find my homework when it was due.

What are you goals for this season, personally and as a team?

This season has been starting off slower than I had actually hoped for, so for the remaining season, my goal is to get into the low 19s possibly or high 18s (for the 5k race). And hopefully for all of us to come together and all improve on our times individually and as a team.

You’re undeclared right now. What are you leaning towards and why?

I’ve actually decided I want to major in kinesiology and go into physical therapy. And also minor in business so maybe one day I can open up my own office.

Plans for after college?

I hope to find a job in a physical therapy office and eventually move up and open my own office.

What do you do to relax?

I actually stopped watching TV a while ago and now that I have more free time and a TV in my room (which I didn’t have at home), I’ve found myself watching a lot more and catching up on movies I haven’t seen (they’re free on Demand). I also started reading more, so that’s nice.

Your birthday’s coming up next month. Any plans?

Unfortunately the weekend of my birthday I’m not going to be home to celebrate with my friends, but I'll get to be in Vegas with my cross country team and they know we're going to celebrate in some way that Saturday night after the race. We’ll see….!

If you get to meet Derek Fisher, what would you say to him? And why Fisher?

I really don’t know what I’d say to him, probably "Can I have your autograph?" For some reason, I just fell in love with him during that whole Laker phase everyone went through. Since everyone liked Kobe and I like being different, Fisher just stuck to me. He’s also a point guard, which I was then, so maybe that influenced that choice. He just always looks like a nice guy you can talk to so he became my favorite.

Where were you when he hit the “.04” shot against San Antonio?

At home watching the game, of course. Luckily no one was in that room cause I definitely went crazy when that happened, screaming and jumping all over the place.

What’s the one thing no one would ever guess about you?

If you don’t know me then you’d probably never guess that I’m kind of wild and full of energy, always trying to joke around and make situations fun. And if you do know me, then you wouldn’t believe that I’m actually shy and quiet around people I don’t know.