East County Athlete of the Week: Ava Klein

Ava Klein is a junior cross-country runner at Lakewood Ranch High. She finished 20th (20:02.80) out of 216 participants at the North Port High Invitational in North Port on Sept. 22. Klein also runs track, and finished ninth (57.72) in the girls 400-meter dash at the state meet in Jacksonville in May. 

When did you start running?

I have always loved to run after school, but I started running races five years ago. It took me a while to find the right sport. 

Do you prefer track or cross-country?

Track, for sure. I love to sprint, not really do distance runs. I do cross-country to stay in shape for track season. 

What is your favorite running memory?

Last summer, I was on a morning running on Anna Maria Beach, and there was no one there. I got this 'runner's high,' and ended up running nine miles. It just felt really good. 

What is your biggest challenge?

The mental side of things. It's hard to have the right mindset sometimes. It's different before different races. I try to listen to music and get my mind right. I like to listen to Zac Brown Band, it reminds me of going boating and gives me good vibes. 

What is your favorite cross-country course?

I like North Port a lot, actually. The band plays music when we get to the home stretch of the race, it pumps me up. It's also a fast course, so it gets my confidence high. 

What is your dream vacation?

Going to Hawaii. I went when I was little (3). I just love the whole beach aesthetic.

What is your favorite subject?

Math. It's easy to solve. I like that there's always an answer. 

What is your biggest fear?

Someone coming up behind me. I have to have my back against a wall most of the time. It's helped with my reflexes (laughs).

What is the best advice you have received?

One of the coaches from last year (Kristina Lee) told me, 'It hurts now, but it will be worth it when you're done.' That's what I tell myself before each race. 

Finish this sentence: Ava Klein is ... 

... Spontaneous. I don't like to make plans. I want to be able to do anything at any given moment.