Emily Bush reflects on success
Emily Bush is a sophomore runner for the Saratoga Springs girls’ cross country team.
The fourth-year varsity standout, in a season littered with superlative races, delivered another gem Saturday at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls when she finished third out of 285 runners at the Federation Meet.
Q: The Federation race can be confusing to those that do not follow racing because it entails all classifications running together. It is a big race, so when you finish third Saturday after coming in second at the Class A state championships, how do you feel about the result?
A: I was happy with my performance. I wanted to go into it giving it my all, and I definitely did that. Overall, it was a great day and our team did well. I am happy with it.
Q: The Bowdoin Park course is vastly different than last week’s layout at Chenango Valley State Park because this one is up and down. From your perspective on how you run, is the Bowdoin Park course one you like or is it one you deal with?
A: It is definitely a completely different experience as you said. For me, I did enjoy this course. It is challenging, but I like a good challenge. I like the intensity of this course.
Q: This was another dominating performance for the team. Winning the Federation Meet is a big team title. How do you feel the team performed Saturday?
A: Yes, it was great to go out there and once again prove we’re a strong team and a strong program. We have all worked so hard to get where we are. I was really proud of our team.
Q: People see the decades filled with success from the outside of the program. You’re on the inside. What does it mean to be a part of this program? A: It is great. I am so blessed and happy to be a part of such an amazing program with such great coaches. We have such a strong bond.
Q: I am sure you have heard the joke about the Saratoga water being so good before. Seriously, though, your coaches Art and Linda Kranick put the kids in the positions to succeed and the runners make it happen. The camaraderie the team has is easily apparent to anyone that has seen you compete. How meaningful is that to you?
A: It is so meaningful. I have made some of my closest friends from the team. We spend so much time together and become such a tight-knit group. It is great to be a part of.
Q: There is no national meet with Nike this year, so what is your team doing? A: There is the Footlocker and the Running Lane down in Alabama. It is still up the air for our team as of now. We’re taking it a day at a time. We are definitely going to do (Nike) regionals. we will go from there.
Q: The opportunities to run big races outside of Section II last fall were not available because of the coronavirus pandemic. How proud are you of the team to meet every challenge and demolish everything in front of it?
A: We had to work through so much. We finally got the opportunity to show all of that hard work and we managed to get everything done. It is great to back out here competing (at the state and national level) again and winning. Q: When you started running, was your older brother Ryan your inspiration, or were you the first one?
A: I started running when I was 7. I did junior Olympics as a kid. It started with my parents. They were both runners in high school and college. They got me into the sport and never forced me to do it. I was so interested in following in their footsteps. Seeing my brother do it too helped. Seeing him and his passion definitely inspired me as well.
Q: I know there is not a lot of free time available, but when do have some, what do you like to do?
A: I enjoy spending time with my dog, who just got over quarantine. She has been a great addition to our family. I also enjoy piano, which I find is a great way to de-stress. It is a great way to put time and energy into something else. Other than that, it is pretty much focusing on school. I definitely focus on that, even with my running. School is a big part of my life. I like to spend as much time with family and friends as I can.