On Jan. 31 in Columbia, SC, senior Harper Henson broke not only her personal mile record, but the Winthrop school record for running the mile.
Class of 2004, Stephanie Vangsnes, set the mile time to beat at 5:01.03 in 2002. In her time at Winthrop, Vangsnes held the Winthrop school record for the indoor mile, indoor 3,000 meter run and the outdoor 1500 meter run.
Now 18 years later, during the Carolina Challenge, distance runner Henson crushed the clock as she finished with a mile time of 4:59.56. Last season Henson scored the best time overall of 5:02.7. This accomplishment led to her winning her heat and coming in fifth overall.
“It doesn’t feel very real and I’m still kinda in disbelief. I got many cheers and hugs from teammates and my coaches. My mom even cried! To celebrate I went out with my parents to a poke shop nearby and got a sushi burrito,” Henson said.
Going into the race, Henson was confident that she would break the school record since her “goal was sub 5.” That meant if her plan was successful, she would break the school record no matter what.
Training through summer and winter break Henson increased her mileage to the highest yet, specifically focusing on her recovery to avoid any injuries. Additionally, Henson makes sure to follow her coach’s training guidelines, eat healthy meals and get plenty of rest.
“I think an athlete can be anyone, but to have a true passion for the sport is important for days that may feel like quitting,” Henson said. “Grit and discipline are also needed to excel and sacrifice getting out of your comfort zone to really push past certain limitations the mind may put on physical training.”
Henson looks up to the “professional running community of fast women that are also breaking records and making an impact in female athletics” to inspire and push her to do her absolute best.
“Some of these runners include Alexi Pappas, Nikki Hiltz and Mary Cain,” Henson said.
Henson was also named to the Big South Women’s Indoor Track Athlete of the Week on Feb. 5 for her record breaking weekend.
“I am very pleased with this race and feel that I could actually run faster,” Henson said.
Achievements in track are not the only thing Henson excels at. Back in November she
was awarded the Big South Conference Women’s Cross Country Scholar Athlete of the Year. Working towards her master’s in human nutrition and dietetics, Henson hopes to graduate in May 2020.
“Just getting out there and being committed to getting better everyday is all that can be done to know you put in the effort towards your goals,” Henson said.
Henson has been an athlete her entire life — it is part of her identity. Despite this, she still always gets the jitters right before racing, yet always remains excited.
“I try to calm nerves by reminding myself that this is all for fun and think of things that made me happy recently to spark positive emotions,” Henson said.
“Since the sport of running is hard and challenging, physically and mentally … it helped me grow into knowing myself … Over the years it has shaped me into who I am today and lead me to my career path as a future registered dietitian,” Henson said.
The Eagles race next at the VMI Indoor Classic on Feb. 15 and 16 in Lexington, Virginia.
Photo: Tate Walden/ The Johnsonian
