After running her daily routine of 10 to 12 miles, Nichole Wischoff likes to enjoy a PB&J sandwich and a latte from the Mudd Puddle Café at Water Street Market.
“Do one thing every day that is for you,” she said. “A happy runner is a fast runner. I do what makes me happy.”
A fast runner is also a successful runner.
Nichole Wischoff, fourth-year co-captain of the New Paltz Women’s Cross Country team, finished the Rochester Invitational 6K race with a time of 22:29.5.
This is one of the fastest runs in her college career, second only to last season’s NCAA Div. III Championships. Both of these runs are the best in New Paltz women’s cross country history for a 6K race.
Last season, Wischoff was named second team All-SUNYAC, USTFCCCA All-Region and was her team’s MVP. She finished first in the Vassar Invitational 5K and the New Paltz Invitational 6K. She defended her title at the New Paltz Invitational this season, posting a time of 15:30.
Most recently, Wischoff was the top runner on the women’s team at the Brooks Paul Short Run, finishing the 6K race in 22:58.
The season is in its infancy, with only four races completed so far. In those four races — three of which she has competed in — Wischoff has posted the best times on her team.
Wischoff said her success is anything but easy to attain. She has the mindset of a runner that is never complacent—always pushing the limits of possibility to achieve greatness.
“I am definitely my toughest critic. I don’t like not improving, I am very competitive and rarely satisfied,” Wischoff said.
Wischoff began running fairly recently, starting at the age of 17. With a few years of consistent hard work and training, she became the force she is today.
To stay in peak shape throughout the long season, Wischoff adheres to a weekly running routine of 70 to 75 miles. She keeps this regimen for the entire year. When at practice, her dedication to the sport is noticeable.
“Nichole’s work ethic is unequaled,” Head Coach Mike Trunkes said. “She has not missed more than one or two practices in her four years.”
In addition to hard work, Trunkes said the other keys to Wischoff’s success are determination and consistency. She is always looking to improve and is consistent in her efforts to keep getting better.
Wischoff said she takes her sport seriously and thrives when a lot is on the line. Considering she has accomplished so much already in the young season, all eyes are on Wischoff to see how she can capitalize on her previous performances.
“There is always pressure,” she said. “But where there is pressure there is also a ton of support and love from my coach and my team. I operate better when I know there is a lot to run for.”
Her goals for this season include being the best runner in the SUNYAC conference and in the Atlantic Region. She also wants to be in the top 35 in the nation and receive All-American honors. Wischoff said that “these goals are 100 percent possible.”
Wischoff will next compete with the team at the Saratoga Invitational on Oct. 6.
Zach Higgins