The Daily OrangeSophomore MacFawn exceeding expectations after injury
By Rob Marvin
Posted: 10/9/09, 2:45 AM EST Section: Sports
The Syracuse women's cross-country team was stunned. A runner that was virtually unknown last year had just burst into the spotlight, finishing second in the race on a picturesque fall day in Hamilton, NY.
Sophomore Lauryn MacFawn finished first on the team and second overall at the Harry Lang Invitational at Colgate University on Sept. 5. Her time of 16:22 in the 4400m race was a drastic improvement over her freshman time of 17:00 a year ago.
While MacFawn's improvement was impressive, it was the fact that she had just come off a serious injury that made the near-victory all the more unexpected. After sustaining a knee injury at the beginning of the spring track season, MacFawn had surgery in May of last year and has spent the summer recovering and "trying to get back into running."
MacFawn said she made no major changes to her training and workout routines, but simply put forth much more effort to both recover from the injury, as well as get back in shape. Long summer days of rehabilitation and distance runs in the sweltering heat were the fundamental elements of her recovery.
Once back at school, blistering workouts with the team gave everyone the intimation that MacFawn was back, poised and ready to race. Her improved attitude to make a difference on the team was noticeable from the onset.
Despite this comeback, MacFawn insists her work ethic will not falter.
"I'm still trying to work and get better, because there's always room for improvement," MacFawn said.
Through her intense recovery regimen, and training in the summer and fall, she not only regained her stamina and endurance, but also pushed even further to a new and improved level of fitness.
During the race itself MacFawn said she felt pretty good, and pushed through her fatigue near the end.
"It was my first race in a while," Macfawn said, "…but I think it went pretty well."
Although she said she didn't have any particular race strategy, MacFawn was motivated by teammate Stefanie Slekis, who finished right behind her in 3rd place.
Sophomore Lauryn MacFawn finished first on the team and second overall at the Harry Lang Invitational at Colgate University on Sept. 5. Her time of 16:22 in the 4400m race was a drastic improvement over her freshman time of 17:00 a year ago.
While MacFawn's improvement was impressive, it was the fact that she had just come off a serious injury that made the near-victory all the more unexpected. After sustaining a knee injury at the beginning of the spring track season, MacFawn had surgery in May of last year and has spent the summer recovering and "trying to get back into running."
MacFawn said she made no major changes to her training and workout routines, but simply put forth much more effort to both recover from the injury, as well as get back in shape. Long summer days of rehabilitation and distance runs in the sweltering heat were the fundamental elements of her recovery.
Once back at school, blistering workouts with the team gave everyone the intimation that MacFawn was back, poised and ready to race. Her improved attitude to make a difference on the team was noticeable from the onset.
Despite this comeback, MacFawn insists her work ethic will not falter.
"I'm still trying to work and get better, because there's always room for improvement," MacFawn said.
Through her intense recovery regimen, and training in the summer and fall, she not only regained her stamina and endurance, but also pushed even further to a new and improved level of fitness.
During the race itself MacFawn said she felt pretty good, and pushed through her fatigue near the end.
"It was my first race in a while," Macfawn said, "…but I think it went pretty well."
Although she said she didn't have any particular race strategy, MacFawn was motivated by teammate Stefanie Slekis, who finished right behind her in 3rd place.
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